This is a tight call between Metkayina and KELYA WOOD who both ran respectably behind smart prospects in Listed events in December. They are closely matched on the figures, but the vote goes to Kelya Wood who may have been stretched over 2m3f last time and that was after a runaway win on her hurdling debut at Uttoxeter. Alan King's French recruit Pate Mollee needs a close look on her return to action, while another to keep an eye on is hurdling newcomer Anariza.[David Moon]
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Held every chance when falling at final fence in sole Irish point; bolted up on November's hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m, soft; made all) and she ran into a useful prospect when well-held second in Listed mares' event at Haydock (2m3f, heavy) in December; shaped as though this drop back in trip should suit last time and she's a key player back in calmer waters.
Added to her bumper win when landing a Lingfield novice hurdle (2m, soft) in December, on her second run in this sphere; only fifth of seven at Taunton last time but that was behind a smart rival in a Listed race and she wasn't beaten far; just about sets the standard on that latest form and she's open to more progress.
Out of 2m Grade 3 hurdle winner Analifet; easy winner of a point bumper last March and she ran well for a long way when fourth in Aintree bumper (100-30 favourite) two months later; now goes hurdling after 260 days off and interesting to see if money arrives for her again.
Half-sister to a 2m7f/3m hurdle winner; didn't really progress in three bumpers and she was beaten 26l at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in December, on her return after wind surgery; has fair standard to aim at now switched to hurdling and her future probably lies over further.
Bought for £140,000 after winning a Galway bumper but reportedly made a respiratory noise when well held in two Listed bumpers for Ben Pauling (in these colours); had wind surgery before an encouraging fourth on hurdling debut over C&D (good to soft) in November but that form is some way below the standard here and she needs a major step forward.
0-8 under both codes in France but she went very close in a 16-runner claiming hurdle (2m2f, very soft) when last seen in October; that form is not easy to weigh up but she's still unexposed in this sphere and needs a close look on her first run for Alan King.
