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FONTWELL – Sunday, February 28th

The appalling weather forecast for Sunday must be putting this fixture in doubt, so we’ll be fairly brief with the comments for this race, which looks like a Foxhunters Trial in name only.
 
BACK NINE – Very lazy sort who has won his share in this grade, and wouldn’t mind a stamina test, but took little interest when the going got tough at Sandown last time, dropping himself out and then running on again at the death. Chances on form but a very risky proposition.

MR ED – Thorough stayer who won over 4m at Cheltenham last season, a twelfth success of a fine career, and ran well for a long way on his comeback at Ludlow. Excellent form chance but tends to avoid very soft ground these days so conditions are a worry.

MURPHYS CARDINAL – Classy mudlover who won the Walrus at Haydock last season and was unlucky to fall at Ffos Las just last week (was hampered badly by another horse and given no chance). Interesting that he is returning to the track so soon and with conditions in his favour does look the one to beat. 12st6lbs is a mighty burden to carry in this ground, though.

ACCUMULUS – Winning 2m1f hurdler but never jumped a regulation fence in (winner of three Points) prior to causing a 40/1 shock at Huntingdon earlier this month. Clearly at the top of his game at present and although he needs to pull out more in this company this lightly raced type could do so. Previously suited by top of the ground but proved he handles soft last time – it will be even softer today though.

HOLLY WALK – Generally consistent in this grade and gained a deserved win under a featherweight at Aintree last year (softish ground). Looked in need of the race on her comeback when she finished last of three; conditions should be fine but generally comes up short in this grade; is a trier though so could run better than she is entitled to.

CURRADOON – Made all to win on firm at Maisemore last season but that was only a Maiden and has been generally found wanting in higher grade since, although he somehow managed to split a below-par Fergal’s Find and Royal Hector in a Worcester Hunter Chase despite making numerous errors. Weakened alarmingly on his comeback outing and looks up against it here, despite the eyecatching jockey booking.

DERAWAR – Consistent performer in Ladies Opens last season but was beaten 27 lengths on good/soft (weakened late on) in this very race on his Hunter Chase debut. Conditions should be fine (dual winner on soft in Ireland) and this is a slightly weaker race than last year, but others do have a fitness advantage.

GARRYVOE – Stays forever and suited by soft, but totally lost the plot last season; fortunes taken a slight upturn this season but really can’t be fancied on recent evidence. Will be plodding on late at the death though.

MONCADOU – French import; won a heavy ground Folkestone chase in Feb ’07 which earned him a rating of 133, but down the field in the Racing Post Plate next time and subsequently disappeared for 21 months. Showed no form subsequently and although takes a massive drop in class, still has question marks against his name.

TURBULANCE – Sole Rules win came in a 2m7f novice hurdle on soft in Jan ’08 and generally a disappointing type over fences (only once beaten less than 20 lengths). Decent effort behind Joaaci at Black Forest last time (stayed on late) but looks up against it here.

Conclusion – This will be a real slog and it could be ripe for a shock result. Murphys Cardinal is the most obvious one but he does have to carry a massive weight; Back Nine could easily love this or he could spit the dummy out completely, there has to be doubts surrounding Moncadou’s well-being, while Mr Ed needs better ground. Holly Walk really shouldn’t be good enough but will try her heart out and may reward each-way support.