BOB MORANE (6) wasn't far from the placegetters when resuming from a layoff last start, beaten 2.5 lengths into fifth in a hurdle (3800m) at Compiegne. Fitter and expected to run a much better race. MARISOLE (8) opened the campaign with a respectable third in a hurdle (3600m) at Strasbourg then last start kept the ball rolling when second in a hurdle (3800m) at Strasbourg 29 days ago. Cannot be left out. PHAM (9) did well to clock-in third two back in a hurdle (3800m) at Strasbourg then improved sharply to register a big win in a hurdle (3800m) at Wissembourg 36 days ago, arriving 30 lengths ahead of her rivals. Hard to leave out. KOOL AND GIRLY (7) did a reasonable job when she finished third in a steeplechase (3450m) at Compiegne two runs back. Less effective last time when 25 lengths away in ninth in a hurdle (3600m) at Auteuil. Cannot be dismissed.