Word Has It won on heavy going at Fontwell last month under Peter Cavanagh and is only a pound higher. Thunderclap won on heavy ground at Sedgefield in April and will strip fitter for an outing at Bangor but was a long way behind GARDENER (NAP) over course and distance last season and will struggle to reverse the form on the same terms. The latter dotted up at Southwell 11 days ago and is worth sticking with in the conditions. Inca De Lafayette beat the smart Il Est Francais in a bumper in France and has won twice in the UK but was pulled up last time at Huntingdon.
Word Has It (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Raced in 2nd, pressed leader 2 out, ridden before last where led narrowly, kept on well and asserted run-in, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Nov beating Up For Parol (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 3 ran.
Inca De Lafayette (FR) 10-3 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden and lost ground after 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out, at Huntingdon 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Gardener (FR) 10-11fav (11-8) Appeared to make all, hit 4th and 4 out, left well clear next, unchallenged (2nd fence in home straight omitted, 11 fences jumped instead of usual 13), won at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Secret Plan (11-2) by 30l, 4 ran.
Thunderclap (IRE) 13-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 3 out, weakened home turn, 5th of 7, dist behind Chti Balko (12-1) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
