The closing handicap-hurdle can go to Speed Venture with Rojabaa and Turbo rated as the main dangers. Speed Venture disappointed last time when unseating his rider at Towcester but he had previously won at Bangor and over this course and distance in February on heavy ground. He has gone up in the weights for that win but he looks a progressive type and should be capable of defying the extra seven pounds. Rojabaa just got the better of Caraman in a competitive handicap-hurdle at Sandown last time. He has more to do here and may struggle on the ground. Turbo comes down from the Mick Easterby yard. He was found out at a longer trip at Ayr last time but had previously won in bog-like conditions at Sedgefield. He is likely to encounter similar conditions to those today and he is the main danger to our selection Speed Venture.
Turbo (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up, effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 39l behind First Look (11-0) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Mar.
Rojabaa 20-1 (10-6) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, led soon after, challenged but kept on flat, won at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Mar beating Caraman (10-9) by a nk, 13 ran.
Paro (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, hit 4th, ridden and weakened 6th, 12th of 13, well behind Rojabaa (10-6) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Mar.
Speed Venture 7-2 (11-4) unseated rider in race won by Andy Gin (10-8) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Mar, 8 ran.
Merryvale Man 10-1 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Polar Gunner (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Mar.
Muntami (IRE) 200-1 (11-7) Always behind, 17th of 20, 35l behind Noland (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Mister Moussac 4-1jt-fav (10-5) Led soon after 1st until fell at the 3rd in race won by Fire Dragon (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in Sept, 11 ran.
Elegant Clutter (IRE) 5-1fav (11-1) Held up, headway 4th, led after 3 out, clear 2 out, eased flat, won at Warwick 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy in Mar beating Rockys Girl (9-12) by 6l, 14 ran.
