Nicky Henderson has dominated this bumper with three of the last six winners to his name and STRATIGIC GALE can further enhance his record. Scampi Boy and Bobbie Magern could be the most interesting alternatives. The selection was unfancied in the market on debut for this yard at Huntingdon in December but produced a sterling performance to go down by a short-head. The third and fourth have both shown up well over hurdles in subsequent outings to give the form a solid look and Stratigic Gale could prove hard to beat. Scampi Boy needs to improve on the form of his run in a warm race at Ascot but his yard's horses are running well at present and it would be no surprise to see him do so whilst Paul Webber's good record at the course is another positive. Bobbie Magern's relatives take little guessing with the clue in the name so it will be interesting to see what the market makes of his chance whilst Nobby Kivambo made 75,000 dollars as a yearling and is another to consider along with Wychwoods Kaddy. Featherbed Lane has received a positive mention from connections but has plenty to find on bare form with our selection, Stratigic Gale.
Bobbie Magern Alderbrook gelding out of Outfield.
Caught By Witness (IRE) Witness Box gelding out of Donegans Daughter.
Featherbed Lane (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 11l behind Owen Glendower (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f NH flat (5) sft in Dec.
Nobby Kivambo (IRE) Anabaa gelding out of Kivavite.
Scampi Boy (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, effort over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 12, 16l behind Dunraven Storm (11-0) at Ascot 2m NH flat (4) gd in Nov.
Stratigic Gale (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Tracked leader, every chance over 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, driven out, caught close home, 2nd of 17, shd behind Thunderstorm (11-1) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
A Fistful Of Euros 66-1 (10-2) Behind, under pressure halfway, soon beaten, 9th of 16, 23l behind Chartreux (10-13) at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.
Black Phantom (IRE) Alderbrook gelding out of Blenheim Blinder.
Walcotman Systematic gelding out of Royal Recreation.
Wychwoods Kaddy Kadastrof gelding out of Blackchurch Lass.
