Verdict

NELSON'S CHIEF and Senor Alco may have this race between them although support for Candleford and My Clementine would bring them into the equation. Alan Swinbank has an excellent record in bumpers at this track and Nelson's Chief may be able to add to that having come within a short-head of opening his account at Wetherby last time. Conditions were on the soft side that day so he should be able to cope with the conditions and the form looks solid with the first two pulling clear of the field. Mick Easterby trained the winner of that race so any confidence behind the chances of My Clementine would be interesting but she was well held on debut at Catterick and will need to step up a gear. Candleford also needs to produce more than he did in a junior bumper but the yard are in rare form at present and he's another to note for confidence but the obvious threat is Senor Alco who shaped with promise in a fibresand bumper. That form has taken a few knocks though so we prefer Nelson's Chief.

Formwatch

Candleford 28-1 (10-12) Always behind, 13th of 15, well behind Stopped Out (10-5) at Wetherby 1m 5f 3yo nhf (5) sft in Dec '08.

My Clementine (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, weakened over 3f out, 8th of 10, 14l behind Pickworth (10-10) at Catterick 2m Mares Nat Hunt Flat Race (5-6yo) (6) gs.

Samaret 33-1 (9-11) Always in rear, tailed off over 3f out, last of 10, well behind Witherspoon (10-13) at Ayr 2m NH flat (6) sft in Mar.

Kossakstan Kasakov colt out of Horton Lady.

Nelson's Chief 8-1 (10-7) Led, hard pressed over 2f out, kept on under pressure until headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 16, shd behind Fridaythorpe (11-0) at Wetherby 2m NH flat (6) sft.

Senor Alco (FR) 2-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 5f out, pushed along over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Dort Tranquille (11-5) at Southwell 1m 6f NH flat (4) std in Jan.