Western Rules won two bumpers here for which he's penalised. Beaten by a promising type when long odds-on for his hurdling debut, he improved to beat Bronco Billy on heavy ground at Carlisle though the runner-up has disappointed subsequently. Miss Tiggy made a promising start over timber behind La Dame De Hierro at Kelso and will improve though the winner was beaten a long way next time. WAITING PATIENTLY's close second to Cloudy Dream at Doncaster looks the best form on view and Keith Reveley's charge looks the one to be on though that victory was on good going and it remains to be seen how he handles these conditions. The well-connected Onlyfoolsownhorses could prove best of the remainder, who have all been beaten a long way.
Western Rules (IRE) 4-9fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, hit 4 out, led next, hard driven when pressed approaching last, all out, won at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) hvy in Dec beating Bronco Billy (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Been Decided (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Disputed lead until 6f out, lost 2nd over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 7th of 8, dist behind Betameche (11-0) at Newcastle 2m (6) hvy in Dec.
Just Like Dylan (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) Pulled hard tracking leader, weakened 4 out, 11th of 12, dist behind Always Resolute (11-6) at Catterick 2m mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Onlyfoolsownhorses (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Lizzy Langtry.
Smuggler's Stash (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, behind and struggling from 4th, plugged on to take modest 4th flat, no chance with leaders, 4th of 10, dist behind Barney Dwan (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (4) hvy in Dec.
Waiting Patiently (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, every chance last, edged right and no impression final 100 yards, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Cloudy Dream (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 4f (4) gd in Nov.
Miss Tiggy (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Held up mid-division, went 3rd when mistake 4 out, close up after next, led 2 out, ridden and headed when not fluent last, no extra flat, 2nd of 8, 5l behind La Dama De Hierro (10-10) at Kelso 2m 5f (4) hvy in Dec.
Hugh's Secret (IRE) 250-1 (10-7) Always behind, tailed off when blundered 2 out, 10th of 13, dist behind William Of Orange (11-5) at Catterick 2m (4) sft in Jan.