Minouchka was an impressive winner at Friars Hough, justifying favourtism and putting in a performance that makes him the one very much to beat. Solway Flo is another recent winner, a win that was achieved in fine style at Alnwick. Oakland Luis is vulnerable back over this 2m 5f as he appeared to get outpaced last time at Witton Castle. Fifth Column has a decent pilot in Will Biddick on board but was disappointing on his most recent outing between the flags. Minouchka looks a cut above the rest in this hunter chase and is our selection.
Don't Be Greedy (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) (tt) held up; hdwy 12; wknd 3 out, 8th of 12, 49l behind Newnham Baby (11-7) at Dingley 3m ptp gd in Jun.
Fifth Column (USA) 5-2 (12-0) Led to 9; wknd qckly 4 out; pulled up in race won by Cop Howe (12-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd, 10 ran.
Oaklands Luis 4-1 (12-0) Led 9-4 out & nxt til hdd & outpcd app last, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Cop Howe (12-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd.
River Trapper (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Lost tch & pulled up in race won by Interdit (11-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd, 13 ran.
Stark Raven 3-1 (12-5) A handy; led 13; just held on u.p flat, won at Aspatria 3m ptp gd in May beating Haydon Lady (11-12) by a shd, 9 ran.
Was I Right (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) T.o & pulled up in race won by Shanteen Lass (11-7) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd, 12 ran.
Minouchka (FR) 5-4fav (10-7) Made virt all; drew clr 3 out, won at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd beating Narciso (11-0) by 8l, 6 ran.
Solway Flo (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Held up; hdwy 14; led aft 2 out; r.o wl, won at Alnwick 3m ptp gd beating Benwell (12-0) by 3l, 10 ran.
