Verdict

DOUBLE EXPRESSO could provide a welcome boost for Denis O'Regan by getting the better of Kellystown Lad and Nodanawink. The trip is a slight concern for the selection who made his hurdling debut over two and a half miles and will surely be suited by a trip in time but the testing conditions should help alleviate that concern. He looked a fair prospect when winning his bumpers, showed fair form on his hurdling bow and could be hard to beat. Kellystown Lad has a penalty to contend with for his win over two and a half miles at Musselburgh but he was well held on soft ground over course and distance last time and may have to settle for a minor role again. Nodanawink represents a yard in great form and may be able to improve on the form that he showed in a Worcester bumper in the summer whilst Pyracantha is sure to have benefited from his debut over hurdles which came in a well contested race at Catterick and any market support for him should be noted but ready preference is for Double Expresso.

Formwatch

Kellystown Lad (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Held up in rear, headway on outside 2 out, ridden last, no impression flat, 4th of 10, 14l behind Tara Royal (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.

Archie's Wish 66-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 16, 33l behind Fridaythorpe (11-0) at Wetherby 2m NH flat (6) sft.

Arty Farmer 50-1 (10-8) Keen early, mid-division, lost place 4th, weakened 2 out, 7th of 10, 43l behind Tara Royal (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.

Claude Carter 66-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 4 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, no impression, 6th of 10, 27l behind Bygones Of Brid (11-11) at Newcastle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.

Double Expresso 10-3 (11-3) Towards rear, ridden 3 out, mistake next, kept on to take 3rd flat, 3rd of 14, 8l behind Bostons Angel (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) gs in Jan.

Eurohunter (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Prominent, moderate 4th from over 4f out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 7th of 16, 46l behind Clicksnmortar (12-0) at Roscommon 2m 4f N H flat fm in Jun.

Finbar Flynn 100-1 (10-12) Held up behind, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 50l behind Robo (10-4) at Southwell 2m 4f cond nov hdl 4yo+ (4) gd in Dec.

Hard To Name 100-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, weakened from 3 out, 8th of 13, 18l behind Bishops Heir (11-4) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft.

Nodanawink 9-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, ridden 5f out, weakened 3f out, 4th of 11, 27l behind Danimix (10-7) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gf in Jun.

Pyracantha 14-1 (11-2) Prominent, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace, 4th of 13, 17l behind Truckers Hall (11-2) at Catterick 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) gs.

Along Came Rosie 100-1 (10-11) Mid-division, kept on from 3 out, never near leaders, 4th of 16, 19l behind Diklers Oscar (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.