SHERIFF HUTTON is the choice with Poseidon's Secret and Issaquah rated as the most likely to run him close. Tim Walford managed to get the gelding handicapped at a very low mark and has reaped the rewards with two victories in his last two races. Handily ridden horses tend to do well in these races and he ticks the boxes on that score. Poseidon's Secret was last seen out in the Czech Republic. Prior to that, he had performed creditably enough in Novice company in this country. Issaquah is from a fair jumping family. The mare looked very progressive before her absence from the course. Imtihan is consistent enough and does go well for conditional riders. Edas acts on the conditions though isn't the heartiest in a battle. Front Rank has won four hurdling contests in the past and should be fit from a summer on the level. Diarius returns from absence. Sheriff Hutton is our pick.
Edas 5-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd when hit 3 out, led before next, soon clear, comfortably, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Aug '07 beating Habanero (11-5) by 9l, 13 ran.
Sheriff Hutton (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Always prominent, led approaching 2 out, not fluent last, ran on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Jun beating Nortonthorpe Lad (11-6) by 8l, 16 ran.
Poseidon's Secret (IRE) (10-12) Behind early, some headway 8th, weakened 2 out, 5th of 10, 20l behind Color Man (10-8) at Pardubice 2m 4f hdl gd in Oct.
Front Rank (IRE) 15-2 (10-9) In touch, outpaced 4 out, rallied after next, kept on, no impression, 4th of 12, 25l behind Border Tale (10-6) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Oct.
Imtihan (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden approaching 6th, soon lost place, 6th of 8, 38l behind Prestbury Knight (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jul '07.
Keen Warrior 9-1 (10-3) Held up, headway 9th, went 3rd 2 out, weakened after last, 4th of 8, 21l behind Mr Shambles (9-11) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Diarius (GER) 16-1 (9-11) Mid-division, ridden and hung left approaching 3 out, never dangerous, 11th of 20, 13l behind Mous Of Men (10-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jan.
Pelo Du Bief (FR) 10-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, weakened 3 out, 6th of 8, well behind Sarde (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Oct.
Issaquah (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) Held up in touch, headway to lead approaching 2 out, pushed out, won at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Oct '07 beating Holiday Cocktail (11-5) by 2l, 11 ran.
Errol 14-1 (11-2) In rear, behind from 6th, 10th of 14, well behind North Walk (11-9) at Fakenham 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gf in Oct.
Kind Sir 9-1 (10-6) Tracked leader, led after 9th, ridden and headed 5 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 5th of 11, well behind Arceye (10-1) at Chepstow 2m 3f sll hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Nov '07.
