RESOUNDING GLORY looks capable of winning again here, while Caravel can chase him home. The Richard Fahey-trained selection returns from a break after winning back-to-back novices' hurdles at Ludlow and Wetherby in the autumn. Although the colt has never won on ground slower than good, he does act on soft and heavy on the flat and should therefore not be inconvenienced here. He does not look to have stopped improving and with the yard retaining good form he gets the nod. Caravel won a maiden hurdle here in December and he is respected, although we will take him on due to the going, as in two previous tries on slow ground he has flopped. Morning Sunshine has been in the frame on his last two starts, but it another who would prefer it to dry out at the track, while Casual Affair should act on the surface and should be capable of battling for a place in the frame. Geojimali has moderate ability but goes well enough here and is respected, but we prefer the claims of Resounding Glory.
Caravel (IRE) 6-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, headway and every chance 3 out, led next, ridden and drew clear from last, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Dec beating Divers (11-0) by 2l, 14 ran.
Bee Sting 16-1 (11-4) In touch, lost place 4th, soon ridden and behind, tailed off, 12th of 16, well behind Steady Tiger (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Best Horse (FR) 20-1 (11-4) Behind, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one paced, 4th of 13, 9l behind Woody Waller (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Casual Affair 5-2jt-fav (11-4) Tracked clear leader, led after 4 out, ridden 3 out, headed approaching next, soon weakened, 4th of 12, 17l behind Calcutta Cup (11-11) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Geojimali 25-1 (10-11) Held up in mid-division, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace from next, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Red Moloney (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Dec.
Morning Sunshine (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, 1 length down and chased winner next, soon one pace, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Doeslessthanme (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Resounding Glory (USA) 9-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 3 out, soon led, hit last, stayed on well, won at Wetherby 2m lst nov hdl (1) gf in Oct beating Silk Drum (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Tommy Tobougg 11-1 (8-7) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 10l behind Prince Noel (7-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Nov '07 (Flat).
Millbury 40-1 (10-13) Chased leaders to 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Calcutta Cup (11-6) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
