FRANCISCAN, a very useful middle-distance performer on the Flat, wasn't entirely convincing on his hurdling debut here in August but he won with ears pricked and the second has scored twice since. Though soft ground may not be ideal, Donald McCain's five-year-old may have the class to defy his penalty. Zamdy Man was highly tried in his first season over hurdles and should be winning soon while Vujiyama is going to improve on his third at Uttoxeter and looks a better bet than stablemate Spookydooky, who will probably need a bit further.
Franciscan 4-9fav (10-12) Led to 2nd, ridden to lead again 2 out, not fluent last, ridden out, won at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug beating Saint Thomas (10-12) by 4l, 3 ran.
Cloudy Deal (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 5 out, weakened 3 out, last of 7, well behind Drop Out Joe (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Spookydooky (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 4th, mistake 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, lost 2nd approaching 2 out, weakened before last, 5th of 11, 10l behind Tijori (10-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Vujiyama (FR) 7-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 4 out, chased leaders next, left moderate 3rd when hampered
Zamdy Man 80-1 (11-0) With leader, weakened after 4 out, 8th of 10, 23l behind L'unique (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Apr.
