Although there probably wouldn't actually be much between them, we will take the in-form RONALDO DES MOTTES to get the better of Theft here. The David Pipe-trained selection has conditions to his liking and although not a hot race, he could do no more than win in comfortable fashion on his Folkestone hurdling debut. There is no reason to turn our backs on him today. Theft won a Kempton bumper a couple of years ago but has so far had an unhappy time over hurdles. A P McCoy rides for Nicky Henderson, so there are reasons to respect her chance, but she does have a bit to prove. St Savarin is rated in the 80s on the level but has yet to reproduce that sort of ability in a couple of sporadic hurdling starts. He does act with cut and is not without hope if he can show his true ability. Heroes was rated 92 on the flat early in his career but has slipped in grade in that sphere and showed little for Evan Williams in two previous hurdles starts. Tim Vaughan now handles the gelding and he is notorious for taking on an improving horses, so don't discount him. Novikov got through heavy ground here last time but probably doesn't want it bottomless to be at his best. Even so, with the yard having a good record here he gets due respect, though we'll take Ronaldo Des Mottes to score.
Bold Phoenix (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Led, headed 1st, tracked winner until weakened after 2 out, 8th of 12, well behind Den of Iniquity (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Heroes 66-1 (11-0) Led until 5th, lost place before 3 out, last of 9, well behind Songe (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m 4yo nov hdl (2) gs in Feb '08.
King of Java 100-1 (11-6) In rear, mistake 2nd, blundered 7th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Fruity O'Rooney (11-6) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Novikov 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden on long run after 2 out, lost 2nd last, 3rd of 12, 22l behind Den of Iniquity (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Oddshoes (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, led 5th, narrowly headed when blundered and unseated rider 2 out in race won by Ainama (11-4) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
St Savarin (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Led after 1st, raced keenly and set strong pace and clear, reduced lead 6th, mistake and headed 3 out, weakened rapidly, 10th of 12, well behind Postmaster (11-9) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Super Directa (GER) 25-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 18, 41l behind Fushe Jo (10-12) at Doncaster 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Ronaldo Des Mottes (FR) 2-1jt-fav (10-12) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, led on inside well before last, driven out run-in, won at Folkestone 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Silk Affair (10-5) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Theft 5-1 (11-0) Mid-division, not much room 3rd, soon lost place, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Dancingwithbubbles (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Nowzdetime (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 3f out, driven and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Red Expresso (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) fbs in Dec (Flat).
