Just a trio for this novices' handicap chase and as often with races of this nature it could prove to be trappy, with PADDYS UNYOKE given the vote over Smuggers Bay and Baltic Pathfinder. None of the trio are in love with heavy ground, but the selection is proven on soft and over trips from two miles up to three, so he certainly has that extra reserve of stamina if it is needed over today's distance of 2m 4f. He jumps well enough and comes here in form, so we will give him the nod. Baltic Pathfinder was leading when tipping up at the last over this trip at Sedgefield earlier in the month, and if he is over that then he would have claims here, based on the fact that he did at least handle heavy ground on one previous try earlier in his career. Smugglers Bay is unproven over this far, despite having been tried over the trip on a few occasions, and while he acts with cut he has been unconvincing in this respect, so we give the verdict to Paddys Unyoke.
Smugglers Bay (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, under pressure 10th, weakened 4 out, last of 7, 39l behind Canada Street (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.
Baltic Pathfinder (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) Led, mistake 3 out, hard ridden and strongly challenged when fell last, in a race won by Spellchecker (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mdn chs (4) gd, 6 ran.
Paddys Unyoke (IRE) 12-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, led when hit 14th, driven between last 2, joined last, soon headed and ridden, kept on, no chance with winner flat, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Bene Lad (10-0) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
