Rich Lord and Currahee appear to have this between them and we will side with Rich Lord. Disappointing at Musselburgh, he was a winner at Catterick on his penultimate start, the front two drawing well clear. He beat Aurate, who has some lines of form with smart juvenile hurdles. Currahee was a recent emphatic winner at Ayr in similar conditions to today. That was a marked step up on what he had previously shown and could be improving but will need to be to overcome the challenge of Rich Lord. The remainder appear to be left to battle for third and Rimsky Korsakov could be one to fill that placing having showed some promise last time. It is unusual that connections have decided to drop back 1/2 mile. Rich Lord is nominated to come home in front.
Currahee 14-1 (10-4) Prominent, effort 3 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well, won at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar beating The French Actor (11-0) by 13l, 12 ran.
Rich Lord 7-2jt-fav (11-5) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression, 5th of 8, 13l behind Amazing King (10-10) at Musselburgh 2m 4yo nov hcp hdl (3) gd in Feb.
Ergo (FR) 80-1 (10-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 15, 17l behind Schelm (11-0) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Mysterious World (IRE) 300-1 (10-7) Always behind, 14th of 15, 48l behind Schelm (11-0) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Rimsky Korsakov (IRE) 28-1 (10-7) Mid-division, reminders 4th, outpaced 3 out, kept on under pressure approaching last, never near leaders, 4th of 9, 20l behind Osolomio (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Troys Steps 200-1 (10-2) Towards rear, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 46l behind Quick Will (10-5) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
