Verdict

SCRIPTWRITER could produce a Hollywood performance to land this with Empty Sky the main danger while Capal Dubh Alainn could be a value each-way play. The Selection for Howard Johnson takes a massive step down in class after placing in a class one novice hurdle at the end of last season. The form from that contest has worked out well and the North's premier trainer will have him fit enough for this easy looking seasonal debut. Empty Sky has had a solid campaign this season and shaped really well on his handicap debut last time over course and distance. The form from the race has taken a few knocks since and he looks to have a bit to find on the selection. Capal Dubh Alainn is fitted with a tongue tie for the first time hoping to bring about an improvement on his solid run last time in a better class race. A moderate performer on the flat, any improvement could have him in the prize money. Prince Samos makes his debut over obstacles after a fair career on the level and any support for him should be noted but it shouldn't affect the outcome of Scriptwriter passing the post first.

Formwatch

Empty Sky 7-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders when mistake 1st, ridden to challenge approaching last, every chance when not quicken close home, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Heavenly Chorus (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec.

Flag Hill 150-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 13th of 16, well behind Palm Reader (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Peters Pride 11-1 (10-5) Mid-division, mistake 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 16, 30l behind Palm Reader (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Presque Perdre 20-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, weakened 2 out, mistake last, last of 7, 23l behind Boris The Blade (11-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Nov.

Pressman 80-1 (10-12) Chased leader until weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by On Raglan Road (10-12) at Hexham 3m nov hdl (4) gs in Oct, 8 ran.

Prince Samos (IRE) 10-3 (9-5) Slowly into stride, mid-division, headway over 2f out, edged right over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Nawamees (9-5) at Leicester 1m 2f clm (5) sft in Sept (Flat).

Scriptwriter (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Towards rear, headway and effort 2 out, stayed on flat, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 13l behind Ignotus (11-2) at Kelso 2m 2f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Mar.

Viel Gluck (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, no danger and kept on same pace from before 3 out, 9th of 22, 38l behind Hurricane Fly (11-4) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl gf in May.

Elsies Nook 80-1 (10-12) Led, headed over 5f out, soon weakened, last of 10, well behind Brackenmoss (11-2) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Nov.

Kafamber 100-1 (10-5) Always behind, lost touch 3 out, 8th of 11, well behind Just Posh (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.

Loch Awe 14-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced approaching 2 out, soon no impression, 6th of 13, 17l behind Kinfayre Boy (9-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f sll hcp hdl (5) gf in Jun.

Capal Dubh Alainn (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, pushed along 5th, outpaced from next, 5th of 10, 24l behind Pemberton (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.

Seven Stars 80-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon beaten, 8th of 16, 28l behind West With The Wind (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.