Alaphilippe is unbeaten so far under Rules and Fergal O’Brien puts up useful 7lb claimer Liam Harrison to help offset his penalties. He’s preferred to Pay The Piper, who made a winning start over hurdles at Sedgefield, but still has to give weight to the progressive BARRICHELLO, who also represents a yard in cracking form at present. Donald McCain’s gelding rallied late on over track and trip last time and a first victory looks imminent. Jockey bookings put him ahead of stable companion Obey The Rules in the pecking order.
Alaphilippe (IRE) 2-5fav (11-5) Raced on inside, tracked leader, led 6th, clear before 2 out, easily, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec beating Won't Talk (10-12) by 7 1/2l, 5 ran.
Pay The Piper (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Chased leading pair, went 2nd before 2 out, led on extended run-in, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Dec beating Word Has It (11-6) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.
Arctic Valley (IRE) 80-1 (10-12) Towards rear, behind after 6th, pulled up before 4 out, at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f (3) gd in Sep.
Barrichello 7-2 (11-7) Held up in midfield, smooth progress after 3 out, chased leader after 2 out, ridden for effort approaching last, lacked pace of winner on the run-in, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind South Terrace (11-7) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Hallowed Ground (IRE) (11-11) Mid-div, 5th from 6th, 7l 4th aftr 4out, fair 5th & no impr when left 3rd & b hmprd 2out, wknd, 5th of 14, 14 1/4l behind Paddy The Horse (12-2) at Boulta 3m mdn gs in Nov.
Obey The Rules (IRE) (11-11) Mid-div, 3rd aftr 8th, 2nd bef 4out, mstk 3out, brfly went 2nd bef str, 3rd bef last, kow but nt mtch wnr, 2nd of 12, shd behind Dare To Begin (12-2) at Monksgrange 3m mdn gd in Sep.
Restless Brian Brian Boru gelding out of Restless Native.
Skipness 125-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, pushed along after 4 out, soon no impression, 6th of 11, dist behind Fern Hill (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 5f (4) sft in Dec.
Tuff McCool (IRE) 250-1 (11-2) Held up, blundered 1st, headway after 3 out, pushed along but weakened before 2 out, 5th of 9, 36l behind Bareback Jack (11-8) at Catterick 2m (4) sft in Jan.
Cimetta 80-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, 11th of 12, dist behind A Large One Please (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) sft in Dec.
