CLAN CHIEF (NAP) was in the lead when falling on his chasing debut at Sedgefield in November and made amends over hurdles here last month. He gets into this handicap off his old hurdling mark and it will be a surprise if he doesn't turn out to be better than a 93-rated handicapper. Willie Hall goes for a hat-trick after two victories at Ayr where his jumping has won the day. He arrives with a penalty but has won from much higher marks in the past so has to be a threat. Pamak D'airy was beaten a long way in the first of those victories while Retrieve The Stick was having only his third start over fences when scoring at Sedgefield but he then ran a shocker at Kelso though that wasn't his form. He still managed to finish in front of Amethyst Rose in the latter race though both were behind Rupert Bear, who hasn't won since 2012 and is still a maiden over fences.
Retrieve The Stick 3-1 (11-8) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 9, dist behind Caraline (10-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Amethyst Rose (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, every chance approaching 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 9, dist behind Caraline (10-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 8-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, close up 5th, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, never on terms, weakened last, 5th of 7, 20 3/4l behind Willie Hall (10-2) at Ayr 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Willie Hall 6-1 (10-0) Held in rear, headway after 4 out, led before last, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan beating Quick Decisson (11-8) by 6l, 8 ran.
Clan Chief 6-4fav (11-5) Tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, led before next, made rest, pressed approaching 2 out, clear last, ridden out flat, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) hvy in Dec beating Mister Hendre (10-1) by 4l, 7 ran.
Rupert Bear 12-1 (10-3) Tracked leader, lost place 4th, rallied 5 out, led again just after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 9, 18 3/4l behind Caraline (10-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
