The bottom two on the card are racing from out of the handicap proper. Fly Kicker has not achieved too much so far. Rayware Boy is 7lbs higher than for his Doncaster win in January, although he has run reasonably well from slightly higher marks on occasion. Initiative is 4lbs higher than for his Sedgefield win 11 days ago. Stormy Lord is on the same mark as when winning at Carlisle on 11 October but then finished behind Chevet Girl next time (Stormy Lord 10 lengths behind in fifth but Stormy Lord now 12lbs plus rider's allowance better off). Formerly with Philip Hobbs, Fayrway Rhythm has not run for 305 days and is hard to fancy despite some reasonable placed efforts. A winner over ten furlongs on the Flat, the handicapper does not seem to have been lenient with Lord Pierce. Course and distance winner Spree Vision (now 8lbs higher but good rider claims three) has a chance if you forgive him his last run. Urban Hymn has certainly caught the eye on occasion and could run well even off top weight. Overall, it is not a strong race and Stormy Lord is a tentative selection.
