Baracalu won a Hexham bumper by 30 lengths in March 2017 and was narrowly beaten in a Sedgefield maiden hurdle in December that year. He was beaten a long way when third on his comeback at Cartmel last month, though a bad mistake at the last didn't help. Fair Kate was placed twice in maidens at Chepstow earlier this year and will have needed last month's reappearance there. This is a drop in class and she looks the main threat to BALLYELLIS. The winner of three sellers since September, he landed a Huntingdon claimer by 17 lengths a month ago and regular pilot Jordan Nailor is excellent value for his 7lb claim.
Ballyellis (IRE) 8-13fav (11-2) Chased leaders, led after 3 out, drew clear last, ran on strongly, won at Huntingdon 2m (5) gd in Nov beating Great Hall (11-6) by 17l, 10 ran.
Richie Valentine 100-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, not fluent and lost place 4th, soon weakened, last of 12, dist behind Shanacoole Prince (10-12) at Hereford 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Fair Kate 14-1 (11-12) With leader, led narrowly after 4 out, driven and headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden, lost place between last 2, weakened last, 7th of 12, 19 1/4l behind Lock's Corner (11-12) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Baracalu (FR) 6-4fav (11-2) Led, blundered 2 out, soon headed, tiring when hit last, 3rd of 10, 23l behind Curramore (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Nov.
Cawthorne 66-1 (11-0) Raced wide in touch, blundered 5 out, soon lost touch, tailed off 3 out, pulled up next, at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (5) hvy in Nov.
Rathnure Ranger (IRE) 20-1 (12-0) Led and clear, reduced advantage after 4f, pressed halfway, headed over 6f out, under pressure and weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 5th of 8, dist behind Fortune Street (12-0) at Wexford 2m Soft - Heavy in Oct.
Spring Steel (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 10, dist behind Highway To Success (10-10) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
