Verdict

Tragic Ohio should be up to defying another penalty and has a favourite's chance against Locksmith and Gary's Pimpernel. This race is large in numbers but can be narrowed down to those just mentioned on the evidence so far, with Tragic Ohio holding the best credentials. Paul Nicholl's five-year-old, successful on his bumper debut at Exeter last season, has won both starts over hurdles this year. He opened his account over timber at Wincanton despite running green and not jumping fluently, and then appreciated the strong pace when easily disposing of Martin Pipe's Lough Derg at Hereford, looking much more the finished article. Despite giving weight away all round, he looks the one to beat here. Pipe this time relies on Locksmith who has disappointed on occasion, and was a beaten favourite in the first division of the novice hurdle at Hereford won by the selection three weeks ago. Locksmith's division was run in a slower time as well, so he will have to run up to his best to make a race of it. Gary's Pimpernel has been running well in bumper-company at the likes of Catterick but has been set a stern test here taking on the more experienced Tragic Ohio who is a confident selection.