A race that should chiefly concern Glencree and SON OF FLICKA and we will side with the latter. Donald McCain's gelding has not been out of the first two in seven career starts and showed the best piece of form on offer here when runner-up to Alfie Flits in a Grade 2 event at Haydock last time. He seems to act on any ground described as good or slower, so there is no problem there, and with the yard remaining in form we will side with him. Glencree scored over course and distance in a maiden hurdle in November but has to prove that he acts with cut in the ground, as thus far he has raced only on a sound surface. Nonetheless he is open to plenty of improvement and is not dimissed. Stormin Exit should handle conditions and he stays pretty well, so he looks likely to emerge next best, while Bardolet has to prove he can go on the ground and also his stamina. We will take Son Of Flicka to score.
Glencree (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Always handy, ridden and led approaching 2 out, driven and wandered right run-in, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Nov beating Broadway Star (10-11) by 2 1/2l, 15 ran.
Son Of Flicka 8-1 (11-8) Tracked leader, outpaced approaching 2 out, chased winner last, no impression, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Alfie Flits (11-11) at Haydock 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Bardolet (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) Mid-division, hit 7th, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Edgbriar (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 21 ran.
Rennington Blue (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) In touch to halfway, soon beaten, 6th of 11, well behind Prince De Beauchene (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Stormin Exit (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Led, headed before 7th, stayed prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 12, 32l behind Knockara Beau (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd.
Ethel Briggs 100-1 (10-5) Towards rear, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 14, well behind What A Buzz (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
