In a race that lacks any real strength in depth it may be worth chancing Stavordale Lad who reverts to hurdles having been expensive to follow over fences and makes more appeal than either Geordie Peacock or Abraham Smith, who look the main dangers. The selection has only raced over the larger obstacles under rules but has shown a fair level of ability and there is no reason why he should not be good enough to beat some moderate opponents. Henrietta Knight's Portavo has given little cause for optimism so far, while Sommelier looks to be one of the lesser lights in the Twiston-Davies yard. Geordie Peacock showed promise on his hurdling debut and, along with the more exposed Abraham Smith, has to be respected but Stavordale Lad should be good enough to make a winning hurdling debut.
Abraham Smith 8-1 (11-7) Jumped slowly 1st and 2nd, soon towards rear, weakened 6th, 12th of 14, well behind Thedreamstillalive (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) gs in Dec.
Edgar Gink (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Held up mid-division, weakened approaching 5th, tailed off when pulled up at the 7th in race won by Teeton Babysham (11-6) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) sft, 15 ran.
Geordie Peacock (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Chased leader, led after 7th, headed approaching next, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 15, 17l behind Ballyshan (11-6) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) sft.
Grande Creole (FR) 12-1 (11-9) Held up, blundered 2nd, mistake 9th, soon behind pulled up 5 out in race won by Dolmur (11-10) at Doncaster 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Dec, 7 ran.
How Is The Lord (IRE) 150-1 (11-6) Always behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Be Be King (11-10) at Warwick 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft, 9 ran.
Portavo (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Chased leaders until after 6th, soon behind pulled up 2 out in race won by Hilarious (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gd in Dec, 16 ran.
Sommelier 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, effort approaching 9th, weakened 4 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Before Dark (11-5) at Hereford 3m 2f nov hdl (4) sft, 16 ran.
Stavordale Lad (IRE) 7-4fav (11-5) Not fluent, tracked clear leader, left in lead 3 out, soon ridden, driven and headed 2 out, soon no chance of winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Concert Pianist (11-5) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft.
