JERONIMO JOE put in an eyecatching run at Carlisle last time and is taken to go one better here at the main expense of Cunning Clarets and High Stand Lad. Beidh Tine Anseo is a horse with some ability, but he must already be proving a bit frustrating for Lucinda Russell as he has failed to live up to his Flat racing ability over hurdles. High Stand Lad was runner-up over course and distance in January when on a mark 3lbs lower than today's and the ground was heavy. He didn't act as well next time at Ayr on a sound surface, but now that conditions have softened up again he looks a major player, with the yard in good form. Cunning Clarets obliged in similar conditions at Hexham in December but struggled from this mark on his handicap debut. He comes here fresh after a break and might do better at the second time of asking, especially as the Fahey stable is also on song. Even so, we will stick with Jeronimo Joe. Andy Crook's juvenile gets to claim the allowance for his age here and probably cost himself a win at Carlisle with a slight mistake at the last. He should act in these conditions and looks well-in at the weights, so we will give him another chance.
Cunning Clarets (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 3rd, well in touch when sprawled on landing 2 out, not recover, 5th of 10, 23l behind Radium (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
High Stand Lad 9-4fav (11-2) Held up, towards rear, blundered 1st, hit 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 42l behind Raysrock (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Feb.
Jeronimo Joe 9-2 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, stayed on to challenge when blundered last, every chance flat, just held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Samizdat (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft.
Bamby (IRE) 3-1fav (10-12) Held up mid-division, weakened from 6th, 6th of 11, 30l behind Overbranch (10-4) at Hexham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Beidh Tine Anseo (IRE) 11-4fav (11-1) Held up in chasing group, headway and came stands side 3 out, ridden next, no impression until stayed on near finish, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Elite Land (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
