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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.

Martha Brae is having her second run after a wind-op and should have gained some confidence from the first. She is in good form at home and today we are applying blinklers for the first time and will ride her more positively so are hopeful that will help her regain her old form.

The Rutland Rebel duly improved for the step up to two miles here last time but has gone up 3lb for that. He remains in great form but this quarter-mile shorter trip is not in his favour while neither is his outside draw. Each-way chances nonetheless.

A Time To Shine is a huge horse who finished third in a point-to-point and twice filled the same position in his novice hurdles. We're quickly going chasing as he jumps very well and has an enormous stride, so hurdles always seemed too small for him! Hopeful of a good start.

This former English point-to-pointer ran well on his first start over hurdles at Taunton, finishing third behind two good horses and a long way clear of the fourth. Equus Dreamer must have a great shout of being placed and every chance of better. Paul Nicholls has the favourite and that too is an ex-English pointer.…