Pavilions the best bet by far

Swinbank used a low-key handicap on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in January to blow away any cobwebs before Far Pavilions returned to hurdling in a handicap at Musselburgh three weeks ago.

That £20,000 contest looked a competitive affair on paper, but Far Pavilions travelled like a winner from a long way out under a confident ride from Jim Crowley and took command in smooth style from two out to beat a dozen rivals with plenty in hand. Not surprisingly, the handicapper has had his say after that performance and, with £60,000 on offer tomorrow and a similar amount as a bonus if the winner goes on to land the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle at Cheltenham next Friday, there are plenty of live dangers

Mark Rimell's Crossbow Creek has progressed in leaps and bounds to land two good handicaps at Kempton since the turn of the year, while Martin Pipe has a fine record in this race and saddles by far the least exposed runner in the shape of the lightly-weighted Ludlow novice winner Medison.

Last week's impressive Newbury winner Stance is another very strong contender given that he seems to be progressing fast since being switched to the excellent Gary Moore, but a little each-way on the equally progressive Far Pavilions looks the answer here.

Swinbank, who will be dashing back from Dubai in order to see tomorrow's race live, reports that his gelding has "come out of his Musselburgh race with no problems and will be well suited by conditions if the rain stays away."

Indeed he will. More importantly, Far Pavilions gave the impression at Musselburgh that his best is almost certainly yet to come. Two miles on good ground looks ideal for him and, with the under-rated Crowley in the saddle again, he looks to have as good a chance as any in a very open race.