Verdict

Gidam Gidam is taken to follow up, with Classic Role, Huckster, White On Black and Screen Test all likely to provide him with a stern test. Gidam Gidam was no great shakes on the Flat, but there was a lot to like about his victory at Doncaster just before Christmas when John Mackie's juvenile picked his rivals off in the straight to score. That win came as no real surprise, given his promising debut effort when second to Astronomical at Market Rasen, and in an open affair, he gets the vote. Classic Role was only beaten close home on his first outing for Laurence Wells at Kempton last March, and as that was a slightly better race than this, he must not be left out of calculations despite not being seen since. Huckster was a multiple winner on the level in South Africa and duly opened his account at the second time of asking at Doncaster in December. A penalty makes his task that bit harder, but he is another that looks set to play a part. Ex-German White On Black should be noted in the market, while Screen Test showed little in seven outings for Alan Jarvis on the level but is with a top yard and only has 10 stone on his back. They can all make their presence felt, and we return to Gidam Gidam as the answer.

Formwatch

Huckster (ZIM) 14-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, headway to lead approaching 3 out, driven clear after next, ridden flat, held on towards finish, won at Doncaster 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Dec beating Fuel Cell (11-0) by 1l, 17 ran.

Cadtauri (FR) 80-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden and stayed on from 4 out, one pace, 4th of 16, 36l behind Tokala (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft.

Classic Role 33-1 (11-2) Took keen hold in midfield, smooth headway before 2 out, led last, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 16, nk behind Briareus (11-2) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Mar.

Easby Mandarin 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, hit 5th, ridden after next, weakened 3 out, 7th of 18, 20l behind Fier Normand (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec.

Sakenos (POL) 20-1 (11-5) Led, headed 2nd, stayed prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 10, 12l behind Kalmini (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (2) gd.

White On Black (GER) (9-0) won at Ghlin 1m 3f stk in Oct beating Kohler (9-1) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.

Gidam Gidam (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) In touch, led before 3rd, made rest, hit 2 out and last, stayed on well, won at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gf in Dec beating Daldini (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 17 ran.

One Alone 16-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway 5th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out when slightly hampered and weakened, 4th of 10, 7l behind Lorainovich (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo nov hdl (E) gf in Aug '04.