Bold Fire has obvious claims over the likes of Waterloo Son, Rare Gold and Linbergh Law. The form of Bold Fire stands out here, the Paul Nicholls inmate having won three of her six career starts to date. The French import got bogged down in the heavy going when beaten by Overlut at Haydock a fortnight ago, but back on this better ground and on a right-handed track, she should take the beating, especially with Liam Heard able to utilise his five-pound claim. Waterloo Son has to give weight to the selection but looks the main danger on his win over Blue Buster at Market Rasen in December. He flopped on fast ground at Ludlow last time, and will be interesting when sent over fences. Ex-pointer Rare Gold will certainly be placed to score before too long but is likely to be outgunned again here, while Lindbergh Law may need another few spins over timber. All in all, we much prefer the claims of Bold Fire who can be backed to get losses back.
Waterloo Son (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace, 4th of 15, 8l behind Secured (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gf in Jan.
Bold Fire Evensfav (11-1) Soon tracking winner, not fluent 4 out, jumped right from 3 out, ridden and every chance next, one pace flat, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Overlut (11-8) at Haydock 2m 4yo nov hdl (2) hvy in Feb.
A Few Kind Words (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden and hung left over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 8, 33l behind What A Vintage (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Nov.
Buddhi (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway and chased leaders after 3rd, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 19, 15l behind Blu Teen (11-0) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Dec.
Dodger McCartney 40-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, mistake 7th, soon weakened, 8th of 11, well behind Private Be (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Dec.
Lindbergh Law (USA) 16-1 (11-3) Always behind, 5th of 9, 28l behind Call Oscar (11-3) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
Maljimar (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Soon towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Amicelli (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (E) gd in May, 11 ran.
Rare Gold (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Chased leader, led 4th, headed 3 out, rallied and hit 2 out, stayed on well, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Keenan's Future (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
