Darasim, Freeline Fantasy and Star Fever are three against the field in this competitive opener and the tentative vote is given toDarasim. The selection was a fair sort on the flat is sure to have been schooled for this his hurdling debut, he should be closely monitored in the market. Freeline Fantasy rates the main danger as he was a fair sort between the flags and he has definite place claims but his over all form leaves him with plenty to find with the selection. Iris Wolf is another with place claims on his best form but he has given the impression in the past that he would be suited by a longer trip and he has been let down by his jumping of late and for that reason he is passed over on this occasion. Of the remainder Star Fever showed improved form last time out and if he improved again he would be another with place claims but in a race where the market will be very informitave for the winner we return to Darasim who need only put in a clear to score.
Irish Wolf (FR) 3-1 (10-13) Held up, mistake 1st, headway approaching 8th, ridden and hung left from next, chased winner 3 out to last, no extra flat, 3rd of 6, 12l behind Absolut Power (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf.
Alexander Musical (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, ridden 7th, soon weakened, 6th of 9, well behind Ho Ho Hill (11-3) at Hereford 2m 3f mdn chs (E) gf in May.
Darasim (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Held up, outpaced over 8f out, not a danger after, last of 4, 47l behind Centaurus (8-4) at Newmarket 1m 4f stk (2) sft in Aug (Flat).
Freeline Fantasy (IRE) 7-4fav (12-0) won at Bonvilston 3m ptp gs in May beating Wiston Wizo (12-0) by 11l, 13 ran.
Hard N Sharp 9-1 (10-12) Prominent, outpaced after 9th, rallied and every chance last, no extra flat, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Festive Chimes (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf.
PonchaTrain (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Reared up and unseated rider in race won by Noble Sham (10-11) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf, 9 ran.
Star Fever (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Soon behind, 3rd of 6, well behind Nautic (10-8) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (E) gf in May.
Moorlands Milly 25-1 (10-0) Always behind, 4th of 8, well behind Cantgeton (11-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (E) gs.