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Grange Ranger disappointed last time but ran well around here previously. He's fine on the ground and while this slightly shorter trip might not be ideal we're looking to get him back on track with a solid run.

Franigane made an encouraging hurdles debut when second to a subsequent Listed winner at Ffos Las in November. She has pleased us at home since and we are looking for her to build on that today.

Minella Tara won his bumper well at Lingfield but has been disappointing mainly since going over hurdles. He's probably a little inconsistent but has place chances here.

Foster'sisland's bumper form was decent but over hurdles so far he's proved much less talented than expected. In some ways his better run in his jumpers' bumper at Newcastle could have been predicted and it may not be wise to draw too many conclusions from it in relation to this return to hurdling.

Foster'sisland's bumper form was decent but over hurdles so far he's proved much less talented than expected. In some ways his better run in his jumpers' bumper at Newcastle could have been predicted and it may not be wise to draw too many conclusions from it in relation to this return to hurdling.

This lovely-looking mare ran well last time at Doncaster and with a repeat of that she would probably be placed. The odds-on favourite is an ex-French filly having her first run in the UK. She won twice and has plenty of experience but a double penalty. If she did not perform then we might surpise.

Chapel Stile did well in novice chases last season and we've given him a couple of runs over hurdles this time so he's as fit as a flea. The downside is his big weight but I expect him to run a nice race.

I think Polish looks very decent value at the price. If he can get a clear round of jumping in this big field he would have a serious each-way chance as he stays very well.

Alaphilippe was far from  disgraced when losing his unbeaten hurdles record at Taunton. He steps up to three miles and I am very hopeful he'll stay. If he does I'm confident he'll win and the testing ground is no problem for him.

Saint Dalina ran a very good race last time at Warwick and this race if anything is even more competitive. On the plus side she stays well and goes in this ground so I'm hopeful this very genuine mare could be placed.

Fawsley Spirit has improved dramatically this season and there's no reason to think he cannot continue his upward progress. The negative is that this is a much better race than Market Rasen where he won last time, but I'm hopeful he'll be competitive.

We were frustrated when Wetherby was abandoned and are happy to have the opportunity today. I can't say he should win and I'd be happy to be placed but he shouldn't be too far behind horses like On The Blind Side. I expect he'll run his race and we'll see what that brings. 

Charger is a nice son of Dragon Pulse who we like and he's been to Kempton so will not be clueless. He will need the run, though and has a poor draw so he's probably a watching brief.

Cardano has been performing well and won nicely at Lingfield last time. We are hopeful he can defy the 4lb rise and also turn around previous Newcastle form with Myseven. That horse has also won since but with a 5lb pull for a head defeat Cardano must have a decent chance of reversing the positions.

We've always liked Mister Watson and I'm certain he's a good horse but he'll need to improve dramatically to take a hand here. I think he can run a good race today.

One For Rosie was a good hurdler for Nigel Twiston-Davies and was meant to be running in point-to-points after his layoff but they are all cancelled. This is an interesting race, and probably too short in trip for him, but having said that he still could go close in this tight little contest. He is…

We fancied Storm Melody at Lingfield last time but he blew his chance with a nightmare slow start, before running on very well to be a never-nearer fifth. Franny Norton takes over from an inexperienced apprentice and the adaptable Storm Melody can go very close on his first run around here.