An interesting opener where Andytown, Save the Bacon and Compromiznotension look three to concentrate on and the vote goes to Andytown. Nicky Richards' runner dropped back from two-and-a-half miles to this sort of trip when runner-up to Tot O'Whiskey at Hexham last time and in doing so showed improved form. Some cut clearly suits and that form was good in the context of this contest so with likely improvement he gets the nod. Save The Bacon is another potential improver and coming from the Tony Martin yard he is very much respected. He has had a long break and changed yards since finishing runner-up at Perth in May, and he looks likely to go well. Compromiznotension is rated 79 on the level where he represented Ian Semple. Now with Howard Johnson, his hurdles debut was respectable enough at Kelso and if he truly sees out this trip, as one who was really a miler on the flat, then he could be thereabouts. Greenbelt is another to look out for after going well for a long way in an above average Carlisle contest, but Andytown is the one for us.
Andytown (IRE) 20-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, outpaced approaching last, rallied and every chance flat, kept on, 2nd of 11, nk behind Tot O'Whiskey (11-5) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Besi 100-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, no impression from 3 out, 4th of 10, 14l behind Quicuyo (11-5) at Ayr 2m hdl (3) hvy.
Best Accolade 11-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, effort 4 out, ridden and weakened next, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Heraldry (10-9) at Wetherby 2m 7f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec '06, 16 ran.
Bob Shilling (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up, weakened over 4f out, 14th of 18, 47l behind Noble Alan (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Nov.
Champion Lion (IRE) 80-1 (11-0) Behind, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Silver By Nature (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gs, 16 ran.
Collateral Damage (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden along and headway 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Buccellati (8-8) at Doncaster 1m 2f stk 0-85 (3) gf in Sept (Flat).
Compromiznotension (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Held up, mistake 1st, headway 3 out, one pace next, 4th of 16, 20l behind Akarem (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Emerald Bay (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 10, 23l behind Quicuyo (11-5) at Ayr 2m hdl (3) hvy.
Greenbelt 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, hit 6th, challenging when not much room 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 16, 24l behind Moonhawk (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
King In Waiting (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Chased leaders in moderate 4th, 5th and no impression from over 4f out, eased final furlong, 5th of 8, 10l behind Consulate (9-1) at Down Royal 1m 5f stk gd in Sept (Flat).
Lost Our Way (IRE) 80-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, effort over 4f out, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 12l behind Broadway Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd.
Nicky Tam (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Held up, not fluent, behind from halfway, 8th of 16, 35l behind Montana Slim (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Save The Bacon (IRE) 5-2 (11-2) Led and not fluent 2 out, soon ridden, headed and kept on, 2nd of 16, 1/2l behind Or de Grugy (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
Top Mark 9-4fav (9-7) Made all, challenge from 3f out, ridden and stayed on gamely, won at Nottingham 1m 2f app hcp (5) gf in Aug beating Gallego (8-5) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran (Flat).
Willowbrook Lad (IRE) Pasternak gelding, half-brother to 2m4f bumper winner Camden Village.
Destiny Hill 40-1 (10-7) Mid-division and keen, weakened from 5th, 8th of 10, 33l behind Quicuyo (11-5) at Ayr 2m hdl (3) hvy.
Eternal Legacy (IRE) 9-2 (8-6) Prominent and keen, every chance over 2f out until no extra towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Mugeba (8-7) at Ayr 7f fll hcp (5) hvy in Nov (Flat).
Madame Les Jambes (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Always towards rear, 17th of 25, well behind Raven's Run (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl gs.
