This is probably the most competitive NH race but in many ways dependent on the 8 runners to give odds to 3rd place.

IF there is a non runner later on before you have a bet, honest advice would be to leave the race alone, if you wish to bet on race with 7 or 8 runners,

minimum stakes, there is though an angle or two to consider. The Going is heavy and with the rails out, not going to be much track to work with

down the back, so we are looking for something ideally off a lighter weight, proven in mud and over this kind of trip, who is on a mark it can

compete off. I don't think there is any value at the top of the market in these conditions, the mud is a great leveller and it will be down to the 

Trainer and horse who want it and who are prepared to slog it out. Sandhurst Lad is a worthy favourite; could have caught a "tartar" last time

in Ballyheigue Boy; but has weight to carry, not sure they will want to bottom him out and may look to save handicap mark for better. Cheque

En Blanc goes for a hat-trick, Moore likes to hoover up races in this neck of his woods, 89 and 95 wins and up to 99; in a higher Grade, can

win but no real value. Sartorial Elegance has been put up by one of the better Twitter Tipsters last night so the value has gone and at 5/1 there

is not much left, a Course and Distance winner, off a nice mark, had wind surgery as recently as 2nd January, I think may just need this but

would not be a surprise winner at 8/1 + would have been some each way value if 8 run, not sure they will want to bottom his out either. Somerset

Jem had a tough race last week; loves a battle, probably most likely of the market leaders to win, but all best form is right handed.

The trio that most interest me are Achille; The Golden Hour and Shoofly Milly. Achille has obvious potential but 12 stone is a huge burden

and the yard are still not firing, so a watching brief today. THE GOLDEN HOUR is most interesting off 10 stones, it too has had some wind

surgery but having had it on 22 December; should have had more time to get back fit and ready. It runs off a mark of 84, Trainer having best

ever season and one final telling point - it was a runner up over 3 miles in a Point 2 Point in Heavy Going and beat a horse called Lee Side Lady;

now with Neil Mullholland; that has won races off a mark of 99 and currently racing and competing off 105, that makes a mark of 84 here VERY

TEMPTING. Although it has a weight of 11 stone 4 pounds and out of form so far, I will also have a small dabble on SHOOFY MILLY, I can't

ignore its best runs are in Feb/March, she therefore obviously finds something around now and has won off 97 and 102 at Taunton and Exeter;

tougher tracks than this one and off 102 from another in form yard, interesting, big question is "can she go left handed" worth a pop at 18-20/1.

PLEASE keep stakes to minimal levels, this is the best option on an otherwise awful day of racing.  .