TRIP WILL SUIT REIVERS LODGE
(%'' Irish trainer Stuart Crawford has a decent strike rate when sending over his runners and Victoria Says has done enough to suggest she can win a race of this calibre. A repeat of her Hexham second in April would be enough as she was unlucky not to win after meeting interference on the run-in. She looks the main threat to UNCLE ALASTAIR (nb). He makes his hurdle debut after winning both his bumpers by a neck but has the scope to do well over timber and the yard has also been in fine form with a 20 per cent strike rate over the last 14 days. The step up to this trip may help Quick Pick, who caught the eye on his debut here staying on nicely under a considerate ride. (%*, A competitive renewal but the step up to this trip may see further improvement from REIVERS LODGE (nap). She certainly appreciated the extra yardage when getting off the mark at Kelso on her latest start and will need to progress again with the handicapper hitting her with a 9lb hike. Which is less than the 11lb that has been handed to Native Optimist for winning by 13 lengths at Hexham last month. That may prove to be a stopper though he has stamina in abundance. Too Many Chiefs is just 5lb higher than when last successful and comes here on the back of an excellent effort at Kelso. That form stands up while Royal Salute reverts to hurdles on his debut for a new yard and races off the same make when last successful over fences. )%(' A chance is taken with CONQUER GOLD. She lacks a recent run but has her conditions and reverts to hurdles on the same mark as when last successful over fences. Wide Awake belied her starting price of 40-1 when second at Sedgefield on her handicap debut earlier this month. If she builds on that and handles this easier surface then she should make her presence felt. Attention Seaker has been in fine form on the Flat – winning twice over the summer – and is back over hurdles on a handy mark. She is likely to be thereabouts. Dark Sunset won two modest novice events – at Uttoxeter and Bangor – but will find this a great deal tougher. )%+' There will be plenty of support for easy Perth winner Mac N Cheese but the handicapper has had his say and raised him 17lb. That was his debut for Keith Dalgleish and there may be more to come but that is a big hike to overcome. Lough Derg Jewel drops in distance on his reappearance which is not certain to suit but should conditions become more testing then his stamina would kick in. LOCHNELL was a winner on this card 12 months ago and she will strip fitter for her run here at the end of last month. This track clearly suits her as all her four career victories have been gained here. Chateau Robin makes the long journey from Gloucestershire but has shown little promise in his four outings over hurdles. The yard is in fine form and the market will probably be a good reflection on his chance.