Thelobstercatcher has had plenty of chances and still doesn't impress with his jumping. These fences can be tricky for a novice and we'd rather rely on the potential of FILL THE POWER. Successful over hurdles at Hexham and Newcastle in the autumn, he has the build and pedigree of a chaser and should win plenty of races over the larger obstacles for Sue Smith. High Ransom ran well in a handicap hurdle here on Boxing Day but her form has a been erratic over timber and on the Flat since and there's no guarantee Micky Hammond's mare will take to fences at this stage of her career.
Blazing Bull (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Tracked winner until 7th, pecked badly 10th, pulled up, in a race won by Sole Witness (10-7) at Ayr 3m 1f beg chase (4) hvy in Mar, 4 ran.
Fill The Power (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, pushed along before 7th, mistake and unseated rider 8th, in a race won by Malin Bay (10-11) at Ayr 3m nov hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd, 10 ran.
Seaofemotion (GER) 28-1 (11-0) Soon in touch on outer, took closer order 8th, lost place from 10th, blundered badly 11th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Willie Hall (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chase (5) gd in Mar, 5 ran.
Thelobstercatcher 9-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, plugged on approaching 3 out, went modest 3rd before last, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Rockabilly (11-4) at Ffos Las 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd.
High Ransom 10-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, pushed along 4 out, plugged on from last, no impression, 4th of 13, 26l behind Tenor Nivernais (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Feb.
Shoal Bay Dreamer 11-2 (10-5) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed next, soon ridden, kept on same pace in clear 2nd, no chance with winner from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 19l behind Emperor Charlie (10-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Mar.
