Whilst there are a number of Novices Hurdlers here upped in trip and still with scope to improve at it the quirks of the qualification criteria allow in a few more experienced types who gravitated to Chasing quite early on in their careers but who can now slip in to races like this under the radar and with far more proven stamina at least to bring to the table.

 

At the top end of the market the likes of Money Spinner and Pottlerath have obvious chances, Money Spinner is really unexposed whilst Pottlerath hasn't been running through the line at 3 miles to actually suggest this step up will really suit it, we'll see!.

 

Just A Whim despite top weight has a sporting each way chance as its been pretty consistent since a win in deeper ground at Uttoxeter over just shy of 3 miles, any extra rain may help that one. Clondaw Bisto is another I fear and at a big price but it's yet to show its old form after 4 runs off a near 2 year break, if it could find 90% of that old form it could take a hand here. Larcadio is another at big odds that I wouldn't entirely rule out; it's a first hurdle run for 3 years, not in great form over fences but some old 3 mile P2P form shows stamina is there. He'd be reserve if either of the 2 sporting e/w selections didn't run.

 

I really am quietly confident about HATCHET JACK here. Its got proven stamina and old hurdles run were off far higher mark, granted it has regressed of late over fences but as we've always said at SP2A, every horse has a mark / level it can be competitive off. It couldn't have a better jockey to guide and cajole it round and if it gets into a rhythm and enjoys being more in the action it can run a place at least staying on at nice odds. MASTER TRADESMAN is another with proven stamina off a nice mark and it has run well fresh before so although the 80 odd day break is a niggle, it's not enough to put me off an investment.

 

TRACKERS - Hatchet Jack + Master Tradesman (reserve Larcadio @ 66/1 - 80/1 with B365 to 4th place)