Well Saved is one of a handful in this field that doesn't have questions to answer at present and he can defy a rise in the weights. Jim Bobs Girl and Win A Rose are amongst the potential dangers. Defying a 13lb rise in the weights will not be easy but it's hard to argue with the assessor as the selection was value for a fair bit more than the winning margin at Bangor. He has proved to be a little in and out in the past but is relatively lightly raced and has leading claims on the form of his latest start. That cannot be said of Andrew Nick, Herne Bay and Bay Mouse who were all below par when last in action. All three have bits of form to their names that makes them of interest but a leap of faith is required to support them now. The runs of Bay Mouse and Andrew Nick were over fences as was Jim Bobs Girl's win from this mark at this track over this distance. She has yet to win over timber but is clearly capable of doing so and rates the biggest threat on recent form. Win A Rose won over course and distance in September and has returned to action in good form but it appeared as though the handicapper had her measure last time. Stamina will be at a premium here and the selection will be entering new territory with three furlongs to run but Well Saved didn't appear to be stopping last time and can last home.
Herne Bay (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden after 7th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Rightful Ruler (11-4) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jul, 13 ran.
Andrew Nick (IRE) 4-1fav (11-2) In touch, pushed along approaching 10th, weakened 14th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Annie Fleetwood (11-3) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd, 10 ran.
Win A Rose (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Chased leader, mid-division halfway, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Cee Cee Rider (10-13) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Jul.
Jim Bobs Girl (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) Chased leader, joined leader and mistaek 4 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, won at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul beating September Moon (11-7) by 6l, 11 ran.
Well Saved (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Held up, headway approaching 8th, led approaching last, stayed on well, won at Bangor 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs beating Kings Story (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 17 ran.
Liverpool Echo (FR) 7-1 (10-13) In rear, headway 5th, led after 8th, ridden after 13th, headed 2 out, hard ridden flat, no extra, 4th of 10, 8l behind Annie Fleetwood (11-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul.
Matthew Muroto (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden approaching 14th, weakened 15th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Jim Bobs Girl (11-6) at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul, 11 ran.
Bay Mouse 9-1 (10-12) Chased leader, led 4th to 8th, led and hit 10th, headed 13th, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 9, 47l behind Apollo Creed (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Dunbell Boy (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Chased clear leader until 3rd, behind from 5th, held on, 8th of 13, well behind Shanahan (11-5) at N Abbot 2m 3f sll hdl (5) gd in Jul.
Fourpointone 8-1 (9-9) Mid-division on outside, effort 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Valerius (10-4) at Perth 3m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
