Firth Of The Clyde never really threatened when second over 3m at Kelso. However, this is more his trip and a pair of blinkers could revive his interest. But SMOOTH STEPPER won at Newcastle before falling in a Grade 2 novice event at Doncaster and still has time on his side. He can get back on track, though Irish import Bishops Road is an interesting runner from the Kerry Lee yard. Fort Smith remains high enough in the weights and Le Bacardy has lost his way while Galway Jack was well beaten in this last year and usually needs a run or two to put him straight.
Fort Smith (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, pressed for 2nd after last, no impression on winner, one pace in 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 11 1/4l behind Virgilio (11-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Firth Of The Clyde 10-3 (11-3) Tracked leaders, went 3rd 12th, chased clear winner 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on when pressed for 2nd flat, no impression, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Vivaldi Collonges (11-0) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
Galway Jack (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, left 2nd from 3rd, led 3 out, blundered and headed 2 out, kept on, 4th of 13, 4 3/4l behind Anay Turge (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in May.
Le Bacardy (FR) 14-1 (11-11) Always behind, 7th of 10, dist behind Javert (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Bishops Road (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) Ed, mistake at 10th, headed 2 out, soon dropped to 3rd, no impression leaders before last, kept on one pace run-in, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Upazo (11-5) at Tramore 2m 6f gd in Aug.
Smooth Stepper 9-1 (11-8) In touch, fell 2nd, at Doncaster 3m (1) hvy in Dec.
Only Orsenfoolsies 9-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, mistake 4 out, every chance 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 4, 19 1/2l behind Subtle Grey (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
