A good contest this one, with ¿20,000 in added money and Venetia Williams can make the long trip pay off with top weight Cotopaxi, while Hollows Mill and Bodfari Signet should not be far away in receipt of plenty of weight. The selection is fully exposed from a mark of 127 here, 5lb higher than when when winning at Southwell on fast ground last year, but that is negated somewhat by the very useful 5lb claimer Sam Thomas. After a year off the track, Cotopaxi was highly tried in the listed William Hill Handicap Hurdle earlier in the month, where he made no impression, but the drop in class and the benefit of that outing can put him spot on for this race. Back over this longer trip, he can score. The consistent but somewhat one paced Bodfari Signet loves it here and can again go well for trainer Sue Bradburne. A gelding who takes his races well, he was last seen out a fortnight ago when beaten three lengths by Hollows Mill over course and distance. With an 8lb pull here, Bodfari Signet looks capable of reversing those placings, but for the winner we will stick with top weight Cotopaxi.
