Stoic Leader has shown improved form in his last two starts on a softish surface but he handles fast ground just as well and Roger Fisher's gelding is taken to resume winning ways here, getting the verdict ahead of Abbondanza and Nanton. The last mentioned failed to take to hurdles in one start in December and could be of interest back on the flat, especially with Jim Goldie's horses in such good form. Fiefdom has been dropped a further 3lbs by the handicapper but has given no sign of optimism of late, while Gunfighter was well held on his reappearance and is hard to back with any confidence. Linda Perratt's Abbondanza showed decent form on the Polytrack during the winter and would have claims if able to reproduce a similar level of ability back on turf but he has shot up in the weights because of his Polytrack successes and a better bet looks to be Stoic Leader.
Gunfighter (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Dwelt and behind, soon chased along, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 42l behind Against The Grain (8-11) at Doncaster 7f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Mar.
Abbondanza (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Prominent, led over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 17l behind Will He Wish (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Nanton (USA) 6-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden over 3f out, no progress and outpaced final 2f, 6th of 9, 6l behind Russki (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Piper's Song (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 6l behind The Kiddykid (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 5-1jt-fav (9-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Stellite (8-10) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Fiefdom (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, no impression final 2f, 5th of 11, 7l behind Musaalem (9-4) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Neon Blue 14-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon held, 8th of 15, 16l behind Unlimited (8-2) at Chepstow 7f hcap (5) gd.
Ulysees (IRE) 66-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 14, 11l behind Cheery Cat (9-0) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Jalamid (IRE) 28-1 (8-5) Held up behind, short-lived effort on outside over 2f out, ridden and weakened 1f out, last of 10, 13l behind Southandwest (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
