Papillon De Iena is in great heart just now and can confirm recent form with The Hardy Boy. The Matt Sheppard-trained Wenger is also capable of a bold show if he turns up with his mind on the job and is another to keep on the back-burner. Unfortunately, Wenger is not the most resolute of battlers and, even though the ground should not be an inconvenience, he is not one to be relying upon too heavily. The Hardy Boy has won a quarter of his starts over jumps and is a consistent yardstick. Nevertheless, he was well adrift of the selection when they met here eight days ago and will need to work hard to reverse the placings. Especially if Papillon De Iena rises to the challenge. Admittedly, the bulk of his recent solid efforts have been in selling grade, so a sensible approach is advised whichever way you play it.
The Hardy Boy 11-8fav (11-9) Prominent until ridden and weakened after 4 out, 4th of 5, 28l behind Running Hot (9-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Papillon de Iena (FR) 14-1 (11-9) Prominent, chased winner from 3 out, no impression from 2 out, 2nd of 5, 17l behind Running Hot (9-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Wenger (FR) 9-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, outpaced 11th, rallied 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Noble Bily (10-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Sole Agent (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Roussea (10-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Dec.
Alpha Gamble (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway halfway, chased leaders 4 out, driven to lead after last, ran on, won at Folkestone 2m 5f amt hcp chs (5) gs beating Red Jester (9-9) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Flinders Bay (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) In rear, blundered 2nd, behind from 4th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Atacama Star (11-1) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft, 11 ran.
