Pacha D'Oudairies looks to be running into form, handles testing ground and should go well dropping back in trip, while Polar Gunner did better when a close-up second to Primrose Time at Newcastle in November. It's been some time since the latter has strung two good runs together, however, and preference goes to BABE HEFFRON. He was third over a longer trip last month, but had previously won over 2m in heavy going at Lingfield with subsequent winner Baseball Ted back in third place. Tom George's charge can return to winning ways here. Abey M'Boy makes most appeal of the remaining trio.
Babe Heffron (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Close up, led 2nd, ridden and headed before 2 out, pecked last, no extra when lost 2nd place last 100 yards, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Border Reiver (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
Polar Gunner 25-1 (11-7) Led until after 3rd, led next, pressed from 4 out, ridden after 2 out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Primrose Time (10-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Open de L'Isle (FR) 9-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders early, held up, reminder after 8th, headway approaching 12th, weakened after 4 out, blundered 3 out, soon pulled up, in a race won by Master d'Or (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Abey M'Boy 3-1 (11-10) Held up in last pair, driven and outpaced in 6th 3 out, headway to 4th approaching 2 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 13l behind Valley View (11-1) at Folkestone 2m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.
Turbo Shandy 5-1 (10-3) Held up, headway 7th, blundered 4 out, no chance with winner when went 2nd after 2 out until flat, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Grand Lahou (11-6) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Aug.
Pacha D'Oudairies (FR) 3-1fav (11-7) In touch towards rear, headway 5th, lost place after 11th, rallied 2 out, mistake last, one pace, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Handtheprizeover (11-2) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
