Polar Gunner, Julius Caesar and Silver Sedge form the shortlist for this handicap hurdle and the vote is given to Polar Gunner. The selection is in great form and is bidding for his fifth win in a row today. He beat Haditovski with a bit in hand last time and he will be in his element on this ground so there is no reason to oppose him. Julius Caesar rates the main danger but he fell at Wetherby last time and lacked some fluency with his jumping previously on the same track. He has ability and will be suited by the return to this sphere so is one to consider. Archie Babe was useful on the flat and he has shown some decent form over hurdles. He will go on the ground and is one to consider, but for the winner we will return to Polar Gunner.
Julius Caesar 8-1 (11-4) Held up, took closer order after 9th and fell at the 11th in race won by Halcon Genelardais (11-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb, 5 ran.
Polar Gunner 8-11fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, hit next, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy beating Haditovski (11-0) by 4l, 5 ran.
Archie Babe (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Mid to rear, behind from 5th, 10th of 13, 28l behind Rojabaa (10-6) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs.
Stormy Lord (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Led, headed 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, under pressure from next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 17l behind Silver Sedge (10-1) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy.
Shares (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) Held up in rear, steady headway and in touch when fell at the 7th in race won by Seeyaaj (10-2) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs, 10 ran.
Lethem Air 10-3 (10-7) In touch, disputed lead 4th, effort 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 13l behind Tous Chez (11-0) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Merryvale Man 10-1 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Polar Gunner (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy.
Silver Sedge (IRE) 6-1 (10-1) Held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, led next, ridden clear approaching last, easily, won at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy beating Stormy Lord (11-12) by 17l, 8 ran.
