WIND INSTRUMENT is the pick in this contest with Wichita Lineman and Chief Dan George the others of interest. Soft ground holds no fears for Carl Llewellyn's charge and having won readily at Chepstow in bottomless ground, the eight-year-old has obvious claims at this testing course for novices. Wichita Lineman was a very useful hurdler. He has proved far from straight forward over the bigger obstacles and will do well to concede weight all around. Chief Dan George has always been held in high regard by connections and while he has put up a couple of promising efforts, he hasn't converted them to wins this term. Quws Law is slow but competent and while he lacks speed, if this turns into a slog, he will be far from inconvenienced. Hockenheim has to be respected on account of trainer form though he'd have a bit to prove in this company. Bold Ransom gave the impression that he'd be better for his first run back so the market is watched accordingly. A race with a bit of quality about it and Wind Instrument is taken to score.
Wichita Lineman (IRE) 15-8 (11-7) Held up behind leading pair, nudged along after 13th, went 2nd after 4 out, switched right after 3 out, went left next, switched right again approaching last, shaken up to lead flat, won at Chepstow 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Dec beating Panca.
Quws Law (IRE) 11-10fav (11-2) Made all, mistake 11th, 6 lengths clear 2 out, not fluent last, ridden and held on flat, won at Ayr 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Great Approach (10-13) by 2l, 6 ran.
Wind Instrument (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 3rd, led approaching 4 out, pressed 2 out, ridden and stayed on well, won at Chepstow 3m beg chs (4) sft in Dec beating Nakai (11-0) by 3l, 6 ran.
Bold Ransom (IRE) 28-1 (10-10) Close up, led after 3rd, headed last, one pace and lost 2nd last 100 yards, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Dec.
Chief Dan George (IRE) 4-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, rallied and took 2nd last 100 yards, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Dec.
Hockenheim (FR) 9-2 (10-12) Led, headed when blundered last, no extra, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Tot O'Whiskey (10-12) at Carlisle 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Oct.
The Artful Fox 50-1 (10-11) In rear, went poor 3rd at the 6th, struggling halfway, tailed off, 3rd of 7, well behind Belon Gale (11-0) at Sedgefield 3m 3f mdn chs (4) sft in Dec.
Pendle Forest (IRE) 250-1 (10-5) Always behind, tailed off 4 out, 8th of 10, well behind Palomar (11-4) at Catterick 2m nov chs (3) gs in Dec.
