HELIUM sets a stiff standard for Stow and Silk Hall to aim at. Nick Gifford's charge has a lofty reputation but this natural front runner dotted up around here in December and despite a couple of penalties, he looks very hard to get away from. Stow won well on introduction. He wasn't altogether straight forward on the flat but the switch to hurdling appears to have made a man of him. Silk Hall is very much the unknown factor. A winner off a mark of 74 on the flat at Great Leighs, the trip should not on balance represent too much to worry about. Ray Diamond won on very sticky going at Plumpton. The reliability of the form could be suspect so we'll oppose on this occasion. Gofannon was a maiden in Germany but as a recruit to Charlie Mann's stable, the market has to be watched. Psi can be anticipated to have come on greatly for his British debut behind Zaynar. Ovthenight has spurned easier chances than this. Helium can lift the spirits of favourite backers here.
Helium (FR) 4-6fav (11-8) Made all, came clear soon after 2 out, pushed out flat, easily, won at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec beating Tuanku (11-4) by 11l, 5 ran.
Ray Diamond 20-1 (10-7) Made virtually all, ridden approaching 3 out, jumped left 2 out and last, hung right run-in, driven out, won at Plumpton 2m 3yo mdn hdl (5) sft in Nov beating Sainglend (10-2) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Stow 4-1 (10-9) In touch on outside, led approaching 2 out, ran on well flat, won at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Black Jacari (10-12) by 7l, 14 ran.
Purely By Chance 8-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, led after last, driven out, won at Leicester 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec beating Mvuto (10-8) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Capeleira (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Soon in rear, tailed off from 6th, 9th of 11, well behind Art Exhibition (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Gofannon (GER) Royal Dragon gelding out of Gamina.
King Olav (UAE) 12-1 (11-0) Mistakes, last pair, ridden and lost touch before 5th, tailed off, 4th of 5, well behind Helium (11-8) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Ovthenight (IRE) 9-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced 5th, no impression from 3 out, 4th of 14, 18l behind Banquet (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 3yo mdn hdl (5) gd in Nov.
Psi (USA) 33-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway when not fluent 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 13, 34l behind Zaynar (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Silk Hall (UAE) 11-8fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well under pressure, won at Great Leighs 1m 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Oct beating Trenchant (8-13) by 2l, 12 ran (Flat).
