Kie may have disappointed when favourite at Kempton last time but his earlier win over C&D brings him into the equation. He'll go close if back to his best, but CREEKSIDE may have enough ability to improve past him. The former John Oxx inmate made a winning debut over timber for his new yard at Catterick last month when easily beating today's rival Uncle Bryn and there should be plenty more to come from the Triumph Hurdle entry. Lyvius also has an entry in the same race at Cheltenham and is another interesting hurdling recruit having won for leading German trainer Peter Schiergen on the Flat. He'll be thereabouts if taking to the obstacles, while Scoglio's recent victory at Wetherby looked more impressive than White Fusion's narrow margin win in a maiden hurdle over C&D last month.
Kie (IRE) 6-4 (11-8) Led, hit 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened well before 2 out, soon behind, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Ranjaan (10-12) at Kempton 2m 3yo hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Creekside 8-13fav (10-9) Held up mid-division, tracked leaders before 3 out, challenged 2 out, led narrowly last, kept on well towards finish, won at Catterick 2m 4yo mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan beating Uncle Bryn (11-0) by 2l, 9 ran.
Scoglio 11-1 (10-11) In touch, headway 5th, chased leaders next, led soon after 4 out, came well clear before last, stayed on well, won at Wetherby 2m 4yo mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan beating Blue Destination (11-0) by 6l, 11 ran.
White Fusion 66-1 (9-11) Tracked leader, with leader after 4 out, led narrowly 3 out, pressed and jumped right last, kept on gamely run-in, just held on, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Jan beating Artisan (10-7) by hd, 14 ran.
Cadore (IRE) 5-4fav (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, soon outpaced, 7th of 10, 39l behind Lexi's Boy (10-7) at Ayr 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan.
Lyvius (8-0) won at Baden-Baden(GER) 1m 2f hcp in Oct, 12 ran (flat).
Orthodox Lad 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 4th, headed 3 out, no extra when not fluent last, 5th of 10, 16l behind Memorabilia (10-7) at Ludlow 2m 4yo mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan.
Uncle Bryn 4-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, led from 3rd, headed narrowly last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Creekside (10-9) at Catterick 2m 4yo mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan.
