SOUTH O'THE BORDER has only managed one place from five previous runs over fences and is hardly in the full flush of youth. But, though he hasn't managed a win since 2009, his hurdles form is head and shoulders above that of his three rivals and he probably only needs to complete to end his losing run here. Musical Wedge won't mind the ground and may be best of the rest ahead of Newcastle runner-up Shoal Bay Dreamer and former pointer The Speedy Man.
Musical Wedge 9-1 (10-11) Prominent, ridden after 10th, weakened approaching 4 out, 8th of 9, 40l behind I've Been Framed (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
South O'The Border 9-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden after 3 out, never on terms, weakened approaching last, 6th of 9, 17l behind Michel Le Bon (11-3) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) sft.
The Speedy Man (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Alw pr til not qckn 4out, sn twrds rr, ko, 9th of 19, 45l behind Nedzer's Return (12-0) at Lingstown 3m ire ptp gs in Dec.
Shoal Bay Dreamer 11-2 (10-5) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed next, soon ridden, kept on same pace in clear 2nd, no chance with winner from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 19l behind Emperor Charlie (10-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Mar.
