The ground will probably be less testing than he's used to but ROCHEVAL fits the bill otherwise, having shaped well when second in a handicap here last month. Joecooker is a solid alternative, with Malicash open to further improvement and third on the list. A market move on his rules debut for winning pointer Tell The Tale would be significant.[Richard O'Brien]
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3-5 under rules; showed improved form when second of 12 in handicap over extended 2m6f here last month, fading; this slightly shorter trip should be in his favour and he'll be a big player if handling today's less testing ground (has raced only on soft).
Bumper winner who got off the mark over hurdles at Hexham in December; unplaced twice since but both runs have been respectable (sixth in C&D handicap on latest); has form on good and soft ground; solid candidate.
Seemed to be treading water over hurdles but wind surgery was a catalyst for an improved effort and a breakthrough win at Carlisle (2m3f, good to soft) last month; should have no problem with today's longer trip; more progress needed but that's possible.
Yet to make the frame in two bumpers or a novice hurdle (2m, good; 25-1); lots to find on form but he's stoutly bred and today's big step up in distance looks a positive move.
0-7 under rules but has made the frame on his last three starts, keeping on from rear when third of eight in maiden at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft; handles good) nine days ago; in the mix again in first-time headgear.
Improved in Irish points last year, dead-heating for first in November; that form looks modest but he's joined an in-form yard and must be considered on rules debut, especially if the market speaks in his favour.
