Bathwick Annie has solid credentials and is taken to land this important prize, with Tucacas and Noisetine expected to make their presence felt. Bathwick Annie is very highly thought of by trainer Paul Keane, as in addition to today's race, he has hopes of sending her to Punchestown, and next season sees her as a potential Irish Grand National candidate. She has so much stamina that today's trip is the very minimum that she wants, and it is to her credit that she was able to win over two and a half miles at Market Rasen last time. Unbeaten since being sent over fences, she looks the one to be on in receipt of nine pounds from Tucacas. The latter is a tough sort who is better treated over fences than hurdles, and it has to be said that she was unlucky when hampered at Cheltenham on her last outing in January. She will appreciate being back amongst her own sex and should be bang there at the finish. Noisetine has it to do with Ede'iff strictly on Ludlow running but is much more likely to appreciate the longer trip here and can turn the tables on that rival. Rosie Redman will no doubt set off to try and make all, but she has more to do now and faces a tough opponent in Bathwick Annie who has much the better form, and we return to her for the answer to the opener.
