Bleu Pois, Role On and Catch The Perk form the shortlist in this handicap hurdle with narrow preference for Role On. The selection can be forgiven a blip at Kelso last time as he was hampered when still travelling well. He should be suited by the step-up in trip and with the ground to suit as well he has strong claims. Bleu Pois has run some decent races this term but he gives the impression that he will be suited by a bigger test of stamina and he is also probably more effective on a faster surface. Catch The Perk has got some solid form and he goes on the ground, but again he is better over a longer trip and for that reason he is taken on. Tartan Snow has yet to win a race but he has gone close in the past and he could go well at a price. However, this looks a good opportunity for Role On who gets the confident vote.
Role On (IRE) 9-4 (11-3) Held up in mid-division, headway going well when hampered 4 out, not recover, 8th of 14, 37l behind Augustine (11-1) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Catch The Perk (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, left in front after 11th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, led again 2 out, kept on gamely, headed and no extra flat, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Caipiroska (10-11) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Sept.
Singhalongtasveer 8-1 (11-8) Held up mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well under pressure to lead near finish, won at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec beating Mystified (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Solitary Palm (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Towards rear, headway under pressure after 3 out, no impression from next, 5th of 14, 12l behind Augustine (11-1) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Tartan Snow 16-1 (10-13) Raced keenly in touch, headway 4 out, led 2 out, ridden and headed after last, kept on, 2nd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Chef de Cour (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Lockstockandbarrel (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Led, headed 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 12l behind Checkerboard (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Speed Up (FR) 33-1 (11-0) Held up, keen, ridden approaching 3 out, soon headway, one pace in 7th when blundered badly last, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Spectait (11-0) at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Bleu Pois (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Held up in touch, chased winner last, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind King Daniel (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Dec.
Prince Adjal (IRE) 5-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, not fluent 4 out, mistake next, stayed on approaching last, 4th of 7, 5l behind Jefertiti (10-6) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Dec.
Player (FR) 9-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, no extra from 2 out, 5th of 9, 23l behind Soubriquet (10-9) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Brandy Wine (IRE) 3-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, stayed on to take 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 13l behind Devil's Run (11-3) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Dec '06.
Posh Stick 40-1 (10-0) Chased leader until fell in race won by Master Sebastian (10-6) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy, 8 ran.
Wise Choice 50-1 (10-13) Hit 4th, always towards rear, 16th of 17, 24l behind Border Tale (11-5) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
Cha Cha Cha Dancer 25-1 (11-11) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 14, well behind Smart Man (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Dec.
High Stand Lad 10-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, effort next, ridden and one pace approaching last, 5th of 15, 12l behind Quicuyo (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Cavers Glen 9-1 (11-5) Towards rear, pushed along 6th, rallied 4 out, wandered and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 8, 41l behind Roschal (11-4) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
