An ordinary opener that can be taken on his hurdling debut by useful Flat stayer Flownaway, with Celtic Blaze and Rievers Moon likely to fill the places. Flownaway's last outing was when beaten 25 lengths into 20th place behind Landing Light in the Cesarewitch, when under the care of WIlliam Jarvis. His highest rating on the level, 97, would be easily good enough to see these opponents off, and as he gets home over 14 furlongs, there should be no problem with him starting over 2m 4f over hurdles here. A fast ground performer, he should also have underfoot conditions to his liking and with a clear round - which is clearly far from guaranteed - he should prevail. Rievers Moon was surely flattered by his proximity to Festival bumper winner Liberman here last time, but having said that he must be given credit for getting within three and a half lengths at the finish, and over the same trip he must surely go well again. He is perhaps likely to give the selection most to do. Of the remainder, Celtic Blaze has just a Catterick staying handicap on the Flat in the win column, but stayed on well at Hexham last time, where her hurdling looked solid enough. With quicker ground here she will benefit and should again make the frame, but the vote has to be with Flownaway.
