As is standard, the betting should provide the major clues in the concluding bumper. However without that information, we will place our faith in David Pipe's newcomer Choumakeur, at the main expense of Ajay and Sir Oscar. The last-named took the eye in the paddock before his debut, however he was outpaced that day until staying on late in the day. He runs over the same trip today and we may not see the best of him until he goes over further, so for that reason he is taken on. As is Ajay who makes his debut for Ferdy Murphy today but has a lengthy absence to overcome and so is passed over today, especially as he may also need further to show his best. The French-bred Choumakeur represents a powerful and in-form yard, and assuming that the market speaks in his favour, he could give David Pipe his first bumper winner at the track on his very first attempt.
Ajay (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Led, ridden over 4f out, headed over 1f out, edged left, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 15, 9l behind The Gleaner (10-8) at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Mar.
Choumakeur (FR) Mansonnien gelding out of a winner in the French Provinces.
Pazmo Pasternak gelding out of 1m & 1m4f winner Smoke.
Rash Promise (IRE) Rashar gelding out of bumper winner Twilight Katie.
Sir Oscar (IRE) 4-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, driven along halfway, lost place 6f out, stayed on final 2f, 5th of 14, 13l behind Chaim (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Oct.
Stoneriggs Silver 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 23l behind The Pious Prince (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd.
Willandrich (IRE) Insan gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Croc An Oir & 6f-1m winner Dawn's Cool Mint.
Bellassini 40-1 (10-2) Held up, ridden over 3f out, headway and hung left over 2f out, one pace, 6th of 12, 17l behind Smart Tom (11-0) at Haydock 1m 5f nhf (6) hvy.
Bobbie's Quest (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Mid-division, headway over 7f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 14th of 16, 43l behind Johnny Bissett (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Henbeck Lady (IRE) 40-1 (10-4) Held up in touch, ridden 7f out, soon weakened, last of 6, 41l behind True Star (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Les Baux Belle (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Held up, chased leaders halfway, weakened over 4f out, 8th of 16, 44l behind Skippers Brig (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Shannon Creek 100-1 (10-2) Always towards rear, last of 13, well behind The Pious Prince (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd.
