13:45

Langer Dan was very heavily bet for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham though he got no further than the first hurdle after being brough down by a faller. Clearly not at fault for that mishap, his form is there for all to see and a reproduction of his very best form gives him every chance if avoiding bother.

 

Cobblers Dream ran a career best at Cheltenham and arrives here as arguably the most progressive of any in the race. Proven on most types of going, he will likely appreciate this flatter track and a terrific amount of respect is handed down though he has been on the go for some time now and the handicapper has nudged him up four pounds for his latest effort.

 

Garry Clermont never went with any degree of purpose last time and has questions to answer as such, however, he ran quite well the time before and he has won at this course, albeit in a bumper before. Trainer Jonjo O'Neil has his horses in quite good form and a big run could be on the cards despite him trading as one of the outsiders. 

 

Tronador is impossible to predict and arrives here apparently out of form, that didn't stop him landing this last season however and although he is eight pounds higher this time around, one could argue this is an easier race. Overall Gordon Elliott doesn't appear to have his horses firing but it would be no surprise if this one popped up and he is an extremely speculative each-way selection based on the strength of his victory twelve months ago. 

 

Speech Bubble ran Mares Hurdle winner, Love Envoi to a couple of lengths when the paid clashed at Sandown. Very lightly raced and impressive enough when winning at Newbury in January, one could argue she should be favourite here and she might prove too good off an attractive looking mark. Trainer Noel Williams has had a recent winner and a massive amount of respect is afforded though she does look a nervy type and this will likely get rough. 

 

Paddys Motorbike has some fair form and is improving for Sam Thomas, he could go well at decent odds but Langer Dan is taken to gain compensation for his luckless mishap at Cheltenham with Tronador also getting a piece of the vote for the each-way players.

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