Verdict

Valiant Shadow looks progressive enough to cope with a penalty and is selected ahead of Waldos Dream and Thai Vango in this ordinary novices hurdle. Kempley Green is not strictly bred to appreciate the distance and may need the assistance of the horsebox if the ground is too testing. However, this is a poor race and, as he is in receipt of plenty of weight, the four-year-old is no forlorn hope of making the frame if he does rally to the cause. The same sentiments apply to Thai Vango, who failed to get three miles last time, so the drop to a this trip looks a logical conclusion for the time being. A bold run cannot be ruled out. Waldos Dream has looked a touch one paced of late and may also be suited by trying out this two-and-a-half-mile slog. Paddy Brennan has a good record when riding for Peter Bowen, so a market move would be very interesting. However, Valiant Shadow makes plenty of appeal on these terms and, as he was a ready winner at Market Rasen a fortnight ago, this looks a good opening for the gelding to follow up today.

Formwatch

Valiant Shadow (GER) 11-2 (11-5) In touch, 2nd 3 out, led approaching next, ridden last, stayed on well flat, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Alternator (11-5) by 9l, 11 ran.

Big John Macarty (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Chased leaders until 6f out, 9th of 11, well behind Sir Harry Ormesher (10-6) at Ascot 2m nhf (4) gs in Feb.

Clova Star (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden and headway 6f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 12, 25l behind Truckers Delight (10-7) at Stratford 2m nhf (5) gf in Sept.

Eluvaparty 10-1 (10-11) Set moderate pace, quickened 6f out, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 9, 21l behind Hennessy (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) gs in Oct '05.

Malvic (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) pulled up in race won by Master Ginger Pop (12-0) at Lydstep 3m ptp gd in Mar '05, 9 ran.

Mr Parson (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Mid-division, blundered badly 4th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Broken Reed (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Apr, 9 ran.

Onefourfun (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) Mid-division, keen, tracked winner from 4th, jumped right 5th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 16, 39l behind Air Force One (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.

Rosenblatt (GER) 9-1 (10-12) Held up, headway on outside after 5th, ridden and weakened after 6th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Dazzling Jim (10-7) at Stratford 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gf in Aug, 11 ran.

Saxon Leader (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 8th of 12, well behind Back Among Friends (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.

Thai Vango (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Hampered 1st, prominent, ridden to challenge 4 out, weakened next, 4th of 11, 41l behind Very Special One (10-5) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.

Waldo's Dream 5-1 (11-2) Towards rear, stumbled approaching 6th, chased leading pair from 2 out, 4th of 16, 19l behind Viper (11-2) at Ludlow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Feb.

Willhebemyguy 50-1 (11-4) Led, headed over 5f out, soon faded, 10th of 17, well behind Night Safe (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec '05.

Crofting (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, behind from 4th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Ring Back (11-2) at Towcester 2m mrs mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb, 15 ran.

Gunnabelil 16-1 (10-10) Lost touch from 4th, 7th of 11, 49l behind Tisseman (11-3) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb.

Midnight Ocean Sovereign Water mare, half-sister to the winning chasers Tirley Gale & Valley Warrior & winning jumper Glen Warrior.

Kempley Green (IRE) 28-1 (10-5) Prominent, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 13, 5l behind Kid Charlemagne (10-12) at Towcester 1m 5f nhf (5) gs in Nov.