In a very good race for the novices' chase, Irish Wolf is selected ahead of Gan Eagla and Itsmyboy. Irish Wolf achieved a rating of 152 over hurdles, which is classy, and he made a pleasing winning debut over fences at Worcester on his latest start. Given also that he is receiving weight from some key rivals, he gets our vote here. Itsmyboy is a tricky customer but he is also talented, as evidenced by his last two wins. Timmy Murphy gets on well with this type of animal and the partnership has to be respected. Square Mile has got his act together also, winning his last two, and he has to be given thought, while Gan Eagla put the 2/5 chance Armariver in his place when scoring on his first run, and his first run over fences, for Evan Williams last time. He left a good impression there and is another that is very much to consider. Seafield Bogie, who has not quite built on his March and April wins yet, looks best of the others but the selection, once again, is Irish Wolf.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 5-4fav (11-6) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, joined leader next, ridden to lead after last, ridden out, won at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (4) gf in May beating Lord Rosskit (11-6) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Seafield Bogie (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Behind, ridden 6th, no chance when blundered 4 out, 4th of 6, 22l behind Idris (11-2) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Apr.
Square Mile (IRE) 9-2 (11-6) Held up, headway 10th, led before 3 out, ridden last, stayed on well flat, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nov chs (4) sft in May beating Holland Park (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Gan Eagla (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Made all, jumped left, hit last, kept on, won at Hereford 2m 3f beg chs (4) gf in May beating Armariver (11-3) by 4l, 6 ran.
Irish Wolf (FR) 6-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 13th, led last, stayed on under pressure, won at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd beating Champagne Harry (11-2) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Gone Missing 4-7fav (12-0) Held up; hdwy 12; led on bit 2 out; v easy, won at Upcott Cross 3m ptp gd in May beating Big Brendan (12-5) by 10l, 4 ran.
Mr Tobias 7-1 (12-0) refused in race won by Festival Time (12-0) at Garnons 2m 4f ptp gd in Mar '04, 9 ran.
