Verdict

The market should offer most clues and WALKON is our pick in the absence of it with Okafranca and Highland Homestead the others to make any obvious appeal. Alan King's record in juvenile hurdles is second to none and Walkon justified strong market confidence on introduction at Huntingdon. It appears clear that his presence has scared off much of the meaningful opposition. Okafranca was rated in the mid-60's on the level with Willie Muir. Sold for 42000 guineas at the recent sales, he clearly caught the eye of new trainer, Jim Old. Highland Homestead finished behind our selection on debut and the evidence suggests that he'd need plenty of inclement weather in order to turn that form around. Dantari was sold cheaply out of Mick Halford's stable in Ireland after a couple of modest runs in maidens at Dundalk. Ambrose Princess was a plater on the flat but fellow female, Blues To Cee has joined Charlie Longsdon from the John Oxx stable in Ireland. A winner of a Galway maiden, she was predictably outclassed in listed grade in October. Walkon is likely to be a short price and seems difficult to oppose under the circumstances.

Formwatch

Walkon (FR) 13-8jt-fav (11-0) Raced keenly tracking leader, every chance 2 out, led after last, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Nov beating Danesman (11-0) by 2l, 7 ran.

Dantari (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, effort approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 15l behind Walkon (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Nov.

Highland Homestead 20-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace approaching last, 4th of 7, 6l behind Walkon (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Nov.

Mr Plod 150-1 (10-9) Led 1st, remained close up, ridden and weakened soon after 6th, 4th of 13, well behind Starluck (11-5) at Fakenham 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.

Okafranca (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (9-0) In touch, pushed along over 5f, effort when weakening over 3f, 6th of 8, 33l behind Neve Lieve (9-0) at Nottingham 2m 3yo hcp (4) gs in Oct (Flat).

Shaftesbury (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden 3f out, plugged on, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Rutba (8-8) at Bath 2m 1f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Oct (Flat).

Ambrose Princess (IRE) 8-1 (8-3) In touch, pushed along over 4f out, chased leaders over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Sabre Light (8-13) at Kempton 1m 3f 3yo clm (6) pol in Nov (Flat).

Blues In Cee (IRE) 13-2 (8-11) Always towards rear, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Jane Austen (8-11) at Fairyhouse 1m 4f lst stk sft in Oct (Flat).