Pass Me A Dime, Old Benny and Whitford Don look the main protagonists in this trappy handicap hurdle and the narrow vote is given to Pass Me A Dime. The selection was a fair second behind Cannon Fire last time out and with the step up in trip likley to bring about more improvement he looks the one to be on. Old Benny rates the main danger on his latest second behind Very Special One but he looks high enough in the weights for what he has achieved and he is taken on with this in mind. Whitford Don won well at Towcester last time out but consistency is not his strong point and under his penalty he looks vulnerable in this more competitive affair. Of the remainder, Woodlands Genpower has conditions to suit and could go well at a price despite top weight but for the winner we are happy to return to Pass Me A Dime.
Woodlands Genpower (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Soon ridden along, lost touch 6th, behind when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Cinnamon Line (11-2) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 12 ran.
Ballyshan (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) In touch, hampered 4th, driven approaching next, weakened 3 out, 6th of 9, 15l behind Cannon Fire (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Pass Me A Dime 7-2 (10-13) In rear, mistake 3rd, headway after 4 out, ridden 2 out, ran on flat, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Cannon Fire (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Carew Lad 6-1 (11-4) Led until blundered and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Fast Forward (11-4) at Chepstow 3m nov chs (3) hvy, 5 ran.
Old Benny 7-2 (10-12) In touch, ridden to challenge 3 out, chased winner next, kept on one pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 16l behind Very Special One (10-5) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Whitford Don (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) In rear, steady headway 7th, led on bit 2 out, ridden approaching last, ran on, won at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy beating Eurocelt (11-12) by 10l, 16 ran.
