Anikman's only defeat came when sent to Punchestown for the championship bumper and he looked a nice prospect when making a successful hurdling debut on heavy going at Hexham. He'll be difficult to beat but the concession of 7lb to KILGEEL HILL could prove beyond him. Oliver Sherwood's charge has been steadily improving and there was much to like about his victory at Leicester where he made all and ran on strongly. Subtle Grey came out of Irish point-to-points to make a winning start for new connections on testing ground at Carlisle and is likely to make further progress and though Capard King was beaten a long way at Market Rasen he's better than that judged on earlier efforts.
Aniknam (FR) 15-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 3rd before 4 out, headway before last to chase leader, kept on to lead towards finish, won at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) hvy beating It's High Time (11-5) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Subtle Grey (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Made all, ridden and hit last, stayed on gamely, won at Carlisle 2m 3f nov hdl (4) hvy beating Grove Silver (10-9) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Capard King (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Prominent, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced, 6th of 14, 50l behind Warrantor (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Dontminddboys (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division on outside, driven after 3 out, kept on same pace from next, never on terms, 6th of 11, 11l behind Quinlandio (10-11) at Towcester 2m mdn hdl (5) sft.
Kilgeel Hill (IRE) 8-11fav (10-7) Made all, ridden after 2 out, stayed on well flat, won at Leicester 2m 4f 4yo nov stks (4) sft beating Orchard Boy (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Lovely Touch (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Chased clear leader until before 4th, soon weakened, tailed off, 5th of 6, well behind Ebony Express (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
