NO SUPPER is taken to make the long trip north a successful one here, while Hazy Oaks might be the one for those brave enough to take on the forecast. The selection may still be a maiden but he has shown some solid form in the context of this race and was not disgraced when behind Mount Benger at Market Rasen last time. The fitting of first-time cheek pieces is taken as a positive by this judge and we will side with Tim Vaughan's runner. Hazy Oaks is the one to have to shoulder top weight through the mud here and is open to plenty of improvement. She ran a decent race to make the frame in a selling handicap hurdle last time and has at least experienced heavy ground here before, so there is hope that she can go well. Diktatorship is another maiden over hurdles, but Jennie Candlish's runners here always merit respect and this gelding handles cut well, so we will anticipate a prominent showing. What Happened runs in the Burridge colours of Desert Orchid fame and represents a yard going well. He has shown little so far but should enjoy the loose ground and is a potential improver. Madge can build on what was shown last time but in this uninspiring opener we'll take No Supper to score.
Hazy Oaks 28-1 (11-9) In touch, ridden 2 out, stayed on from last, 3rd of 15, 4l behind Emotive (11-2) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Jan.
Pimbo Lane (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, well behind Well Disguised (10-2) at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
No Supper (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway 5th, challenged and every chance 2 out, ridden and same pace flat, 5th of 15, 10l behind Mount Benger (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Dec.
Byron Bay 66-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakening when fell at the last in race won by Woody Waller (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan, 13 ran.
Amazing Request 6-1 (9-11) Held up, hit 3rd, ridden approaching 8th, soon weakened, last of 9, well behind Marigolds Way (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Aug.
Iris's Flyer 40-1 (10-3) Handy until pulled up at the 5th in race won by Youngstown (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan, 19 ran.
Silver Destiny 50-1 (10-6) Held up towards rear, lost place halfway, some headway from 2 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 27l behind Lawgiver (11-1) at Catterick 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Dec.
Vision Victory (GER) 14-1 (10-8) Held up, chased leaders after 5th, pushed along approaching next, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Bewery Man (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
What Happened 100-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, hit 4th, lost place 3 out, soon beaten, 6th of 11, 41l behind Fiendish Flame (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Diktatorship (IRE) 22-1 (9-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders 4 out, soon ridden and weakened from 2 out, 6th of 14, 14l behind Longdale (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
Madge 20-1 (10-3) Chasd leaders, effort approaching 2 out, no extra flat, 4th of 14, 7l behind Pay On (10-3) at Kelso 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in May.
Catai 100-1 (11-4) Mid division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, 47l behind Woody Waller (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.