BALLYDINE was a pretty promising novice hurdler the season before last. He was returning from a long absence and making his chasing bow when just failing to catch Eamon An Cnoic at Haydock. If that run hasn’t taken too much out of him, Charlie Longsdon’s eight-year-old can go one better here over an extra half-mile. Very First Time has won both starts over the larger obstacles with any amount in hand since falling here in November. He’s been bumped up another 11lb but looks one to follow while conditions remain testing. Scotchtown is improving with experience over fences and has won around here over hurdles but Bobo Mac is best watched on his chasing bow while The Boss's Dream may need another run or two after time off.
Scotchtown (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) With leader, led before 3rd, made most, ridden and every chance before 2 out, kept on and well held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Millanisi Boy (10-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Ballydine (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 2nd briefly 8th, mistake 11th, ridden before 4 out, rallied to chased winner 3 out, 2 lengths down flat, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 6, nk behind Eamon An Cnoic (11-2) at Haydock 2m 5f (2) hvy in Dec.
Very First Time 5-2 (11-6) Made virtually all, mistake 11th, drew clear after 2 out, easily (one fence omitted), won at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Teddy Tee (11-4) by 6l, 7 ran.
The Boss's Dream (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place before 4 out, 6th of 9, dist behind Lovenormoney (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Bobo Mac (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 3 out, in 2nd and held when fell last, at Southwell 3m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
