Connections have been patient with UNCLE ALASTAIR and if the cheekpieces work this afternoon, Nicky Richards' inmate has the necessary class to be taking a hand in this affair. Old Painless did win a Point-to-Point over three miles so there’s a fair chance that the Plumpton winner can stay the trip. Small Present finished third in the Lincolnshire National on Boxing Day so Sue Smith’s eight-year-old must be respected accordingly. Hometown Hero emptied surprisingly quickly at Wetherby having travelled particularly well throughout. Hold That Taught catches the eye as he handles the surface and is Venetia Williams’ only runner on the card.
The Big Lense (IRE) 80-1 (11-11) Always towards rear, tailed off, 7th of 15, dist behind Irish Hill (11-13) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Hold That Taught 13-2 (11-0) Towards rear of mid-division, plugged on in 5th from after 3 out, never a threat, 5th of 12, 26 1/2l behind All About Joe (10-9) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Uncle Alastair 9-2 (11-11) Towards rear, headway before 13th, went 5th after 5 out, pushed along and pressed leader before last, ridden run-in and no impression, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Morning Spirit (11-11) at Carlisle 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Checkitout (IRE) 16-1 (11-13) Off the pace and always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out, at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Small Present (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leader, hard ridden home turn, disputed 2nd 2 out when not fluent, kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Bangers And Cash (11-9) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Calipso Collonges (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Held up, not fluent 3rd, headway home turn, ridden and outpaced 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 15, 12l behind Bangers And Cash (11-9) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Keep Wondering (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Always about same place in mid-division, left moderate 4th at the last, 4th of 12, 26l behind Fairlawn Flyer (11-2) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Old Painless (IRE) 3-1 (11-1) Close up, disputed lead 3rd, clear lead 8th, challenged for lead 2 out, soon ridden, one length ahead last, kept on but headed near finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Bill Baxter (11-6) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Hometown Hero (IRE) 9-2cfav (11-10) Held up, struggling from 6 out, pulled up after 4 out, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Jaytee 11-2 (11-3) In touch behind leaders, effort when not fluent 3 out, stayed on same pace approaching last, 4th of 8, 6 1/2l behind Hurricane Harvey (12-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Potters Venture (IRE) 22-1 (10-2) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 11, dist behind Steal A March (11-3) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (2) gs in Dec.
