Verdict

CLOUDY TIMES is not likely to be much of a price but he looks the likeliest winner ahead of Teenage Idol, Alderley Rover and Tyrrhenian. Sue Smith's Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding makes his hurdling debut today after two wins from three in bumpers, including in a decent race at Aintree. Sure to have been well-schooled he gets the narrow vote. Alderley Rover only got as far as the second flight on his hurdling debut, Grand Union is a potential improver, whilst Peters Pride needs watching in the betting. Newcomer Tyrrhenian represents a strong stable and powerful connections, and this half brother to Sea Captain could play a hand. As could Teenage Idol; second on his recent hurdling debut at Kelso behind Grand Theatre, he was well fancied on that occasion and looks sure to run well now dropped in trip. Intriguing stuff, and we'll take a chance on Cloudy Times.

Formwatch

Adieu Mari (FR) 50-1 (10-7) In touch to 4 out, soon beaten and fell at the last in race won by Doeslessthanme (11-0) at Kelso 2m nh mdn hdl (5) gs in Oct, 15 ran.

Alderley Rover (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) In touch when fell at the 2nd in race won by Fredo (10-12) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (4) gf, 16 ran.

Carrick Star (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened approaching 5th, 9th of 13, well behind Grizebeck (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy.

Cloudy Times (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, soon led, driven out, won at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) sft in Oct beating Fabalu (11-0) by 3/4l, 13 ran.

Copper's Gold (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Mid-division inside, outpaced over 5f out, soon weakened, 11th of 13, well behind McMurrough (11-7) at Kelso 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.

Grand Union (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Never a threat, 6th of 15, 45l behind Doeslessthanme (11-0) at Kelso 2m nh mdn hdl (5) gs in Oct.

Lukey Luke 150-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 26l behind Bolodenka (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs.

Pete 18-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway and effort 3 out, weakened next, 9th of 12, 47l behind The Panama Kid (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs.

Peters Pride 13-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, weakened after 4 out, 9th of 16, 30l behind Burnt Oak (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs.

Robbie Dye 25-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, blundered 5th and 6th, struggling when pulled up 3 out in race won by Merrydown (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft, 11 ran.

Simonside 15-2 (11-2) Pressed leader, not fluent 1st, mistakes 2nd, weakened after 5th, tailed off, 13th of 16, well behind Quasar d'Oudairies (10-7) at Hereford 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Feb.

Teenage Idol (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) Mid-division, keen early, smooth headway to lead 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon headed and one pace, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Grand Theatre (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft.

Tyrrhenian Blueprint gelding out of Calabria.

Waldo Winchester (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Behind, outpaced 4 out, never on terms, 11th of 16, 40l behind Kealshore Boy (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.

What A Cliche 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 18, 39l behind Present Gesture (10-9) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gd in Jun.

What Happened 9-4fav (11-7) A bhnd; t.o & pulled up in race won by Lewesdon Prince (12-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp gd in May, 12 ran.