Lysander was probably flattered by his proximity to the useful Alfred The Great last time and may, along with hurdling newcomer Toparudi, be best watched today so a chance is taken with Topkat who gets the vote ahead of Classic Role. The selection was at his best on a softer surface on the level and Martin Pipe's gelding showed enough at Taunton last time to suggest that a race of this nature would be within his compass. Stablemate Windyx needs to improve significantly on all known form to trouble the judge and of more interest may be Tricky Venture, although lack of a previous run over timber is of concern. Grasp showed improved form on similarly testing ground at Folkestone last week and has to be considered on that evidence, while Gimmeabreak is probably better than he showed on his Newbury debut in a better race than this last time. Harcourt was capable on the level but has given little cause for optimism in two starts over hurdles and a bigger threat is likely to come from Classic Role, who lost little in defeat behind Briareus on his hurdling debut and holds solid claims on that evidence. Topkat looks to be going the right way over hurdles though and he gets the vote to open his account.
Classic Role 33-1 (11-2) Took keen hold in midfield, smooth headway before 2 out, led last, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 16, nk behind Briareus (11-2) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Mar.
Gimmeabreak (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Always behind pulled up 3 out in race won by Craven (11-2) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec, 25 ran.
Harcourt (USA) 100-1 (11-4) Held up mid-division, staying on when not much room from last, 5th of 13, 18l behind Alright Now M'Lad (11-4) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Lysander (GER) 16-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, kept on, 2nd of 15, 5l behind Alfred The Great (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (2) gs.
Toparudi 9-1 (9-1) In touch, carried wide bend inside final 2f, weakened, last of 14, 16l behind Sir Haydn (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol (Flat).
Topkat (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Held up , stayed on strongly from 2 out, nearest finish, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Siberian Highness (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs.
Windyx (FR) 10-1 (11-4) Always behind, no impression, 12th of 14, well behind Princelet (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs.
Grasp 25-1 (11-2) Held up, closed up to lead 5th, headed last, no extra flat, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Dear Villez (11-2) at Folkestone 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) hvy.
