The three newcomers need plenty of respect as each looks of interest, however GEORGE NYMPTON sets a solid standard and is fancied to prosper. The selection has shaped with promise on all three of his runs over hurdles, and like many of the novices from his yard he has improved with each appearance. His latest second to Olofi at Cheltenham has a very solid feel about it and this son of a classy mare who loved a roll around in the mud is fancied to take top honours. Anak is likely to struggle again under his penalty; he has ability but this former John Oxx inmate doesn't look one to trust implicitly and is taken on. Of more interest then is Watergate who was rated in the low 80s on the flat before being picked up at the HIT sales for a substantial 85,000 guineas. Riskareas has his first UK start this afternoon; Alan King has gone on record as saying his bunch of novices this year are below par, however this fellow races in the same colours as last-year's improver Medermit and any market support should be heeded. Orsippus and Albulharith have not shown enough to be of interest, whilst Mallorey is unexposed but was modest on the Flat and looks like being so in this sphere. Alhaque is nicely bred and it was frustrating that he never won on the Flat when trained by William Haggas. 27,000 guineas later and it would be no surprise to see Gary Moore smiling after picking up a bargain; the market should help there. Interesting stuff, but we will side with experience over potential with George Nympton.
Anak (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Chased winner until awkward and driven along 5th, chased winner under pressure again before 2 out, no impression soon after, well held when not fluent last, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Westlin' Winds (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Abulharith 100-1 (10-12) Held up, effort approaching 3 out, no impression, 7th of 15, 27l behind Alazan (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Alhaque (USA) 8-11fav (9-1) Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, stayed on same pace under pressure, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Sana Abel (8-10) at Goodwood 1m 6f mdn stks (5) gf in Oct (flat).
George Nympton (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Chased leading pair, hit 4 out, stayed on to challenge and every chance last, kept on to chase winner run-in, but no real impression, 2nd of 11, 2 3/4l behind Olofi (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Mallorey 33-1 (10-12) Always behid, tailed off, 7th of 11, well behind Orzare (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Orsippus (USA) 14-1 (10-5) Mid-division, headway 3 out, kept on one pace from last, 3rd of 13, 10l behind Kudu Country (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Riskareas (FR) Take Risks gelding out of Dunarea.
Watergate (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 12, hd behind Ellmau (9-5) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Oct (flat).
