Quick Draw McGraw is the call with John Fenton and Corum likely to be among the protagonists. Nick Williams' charge caught the eye on his debut in a Newton Abbot bumper. Well supported in the ring, he was outpaced before gradually plugging on without threatening to get back to the leaders. True, his eighth looked ugly but we believe that you'll see a different result today. John Fenton and Brenin Cwntudu reoppose. Today's going will be markedly different from those conditions experienced at Southwell last month. Corum is frustrating though able. His first victory over hurdles has taken much too long to come to bear Jim Bob's Girl is known as a handicapper chaser. The booking of Richard Johnson for Alison Thorpe is always noteworthy. King Rocky is bred to stay extreme trips although his form has scarcely been anything to write home about. Quick Draw McGraw is far from a risk-free selection but he is far better than his bare form suggests.
Brenin Cwmtudu 3-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, beaten approaching 2 out, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 9, 9l behind John Fenton (10-12) at Southwell 3m nov hdl (4) gf in Aug.
John Fenton (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Made virtually all, ridden after 2 out, stayed on flat, won at Southwell 3m nov hdl (4) gf in Aug beating Fresh Air And Fun (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Bleu Reef (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) fell at the 2nd in race won by Phoenix Des Mottes (10-11) at N Abbot 2m 3f cnd mdn hdl (5) gd in Aug, 11 ran.
Corum (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Jumped left, held up in rear, ridden along after 5th, one pace 7th, stayed on approaching last, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 12, 21l behind Winter Star (12-0) at Hereford 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Even Smarter 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Middleton Dene (11-7) at Perth 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Aug '07, 10 ran.
King Rocky 40-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 7th, behind from next, 6th of 9, 43l behind Prince Vector (11-0) at Stratford 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Aug.
Quick Draw McGraw 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened over 5f out, 8th of 16, 40l behind Bathwick Quest (9-13) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Aug.
Sir Leonard (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, lost touch before 6th, soon beaten, 4th of 5, 44l behind Inghwung (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Converti 100-1 (10-3) In touch, chased leader 5th, ridden 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 31l behind Leamington Lad (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Jim Bobs Girl (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden after 12th, led next until after 4 out, hard ridden approaching last, no impression, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Present Gale (10-11) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Aug.
Sterling Moll 100-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway 5th, every chance approaching 2 out, beaten before last, 2nd of 14, 6l behind Lets Get Busy (10-5) at N Abbot 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
