A race that looks likely to be dominated by the top half of the market with a fair few seemingly running to give inexperienced riders experience of the Course, which is of course one of the aims of this series of races.

 

Skatman for Paul Nicholls is a nice and potentially interesting horse and An Tailliur for Jonjo arrives on a 6 timer having shot up 2 stones in the handicap. Logic says one of those will win, but at the odds lets seek some e/w value.

 

Captain Blackpearl for the Newland yard returns to the smaller obstacles after jumping issues and will have a decent place chance at least, Johnny B has proven stamina and could run well for a long way off a 169 day break and is one i particularly fear at the price, and the reserve in case of a non-runner would be the unexposed Pipe horse NEON MOON an ex 3 mile P2P winner off for 246 days who is certainly a horse to follow in your Trackers.

 

I'll have a point each way though on ART APPROVAL for Fergal O'Brien and Graeme McPherson who have their new joint enterprise in cracking form. The horse has already had a run here and that proven form and assured fitness should ensure a strong placed run at the very least and if there is a fitness chink with the Nicholl horse or if Jonjo's has finally been caught by the handicapper then ART APPROVAL looks the most likely to capitalise today.

 

I also think that it's worth a small investment on APPLE ROCK, a horse who won off 110 and 117 last season, got up the hill at Carlisle impressively well too to evidence stamina and the heart for a battle and a horse who has in the past won fresh off a 236 day break. Another for you to track whatever the outcome today.

 

TIP - Art Approval / Tracker - Apple Rock (reserve / Tricast - Neon Moon)