FABALU is given a chance to redeem himself with Galapagos Islands and Circus Of Dreams put up as alternatives. The selection has finished second on each of last two starts - most notably failing at odds of 2/5 at Hexham. That said, his Aintree form rates as a class above anything else on offer and a return to it should suffice. Galapagos Islands was well behind our selection when they met at Hexham. He had previously accounted for Springfield Gunner when the pair met at the track last June. Oliver Sherwood's runners are always respected so Circus Of Dreams comes into the reckoning. The second in his most recent race upheld the form with a fair second in a novice hurdle at Chepstow. Former pointer, Be Brief showed plenty of pace on debut at Haydock Park. That third was clearly not expected on the day as he drifted out massively in the betting beforehand. Ukranian Star and Sam McCoombe have only raced on a fast surface in the past. Simonside won a bumper at this course last year though has failed to go on from it. Fabalu is given the chance to atone for a high profile failure.
Be Brief 16-1 (10-12) Led to 3 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Fredo (10-12) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Nov.
Circus of Dreams 10-1 (10-12) Always prominent, not fluent 4th, every chance approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace last, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Norman The Great (10-12) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Fabalu (IRE) 2-5fav (10-12) Chased leader, led 2nd, headed 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Calin Royal (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Galapagos Islands 22-1 (10-12) Prominent, jumped slow 1st, behind from 6th, soon struggling, last of 8, well behind Calin Royal (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Sam McCoombe (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Held up in touch, lost place before 3 out, 8th of 11, 40l behind Bonikos (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Simonside 15-2 (11-2) Pressed leader, not fluent 1st, mistakes 2nd, weakened after 5th, tailed off, 13th of 16, well behind Quasar d'Oudairies (10-7) at Hereford 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Feb.
Springfield Gunner 50-1 (10-12) Mistake 1st, held up towards rear, behind when mistake 6th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bakbenscher (10-12) at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Ukrainian Star (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Mid-division, struggling final 5f, 7th of 12, well behind Midnight Haze (10-9) at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gd in Jun.
