The indications from the 6 furlong race yesterday was that high / middle high was the best place to be drawn. However, in the ballot for draw a lot of those who had first picks went lower numbers. They have also applied 5mm of water equally across the Track so think it's worth picking on form and merit and covering the draw angles on both sides.

 

It's very competitive and you have to have the courage of your convictions as you saw yesterday.

 

Its hard to rule out MR WAYGU who has won for us already this season at 12/1, I do feel the handicapper is now in charge though. Regional would have a chance from a high draw but I feel the draw is the main reason for its price. Chil Chil is a progressive type, drawn 11 but I think he'd need rattling ground to be at his best and the watering may not have helped him. Popmaster and First Folio are drawn 3 and 4, I'm not totally convinced that's a benefit but both would have good chances if it isn't a negative. Inver Park has form figures 1-1-1 is clearly in form but with wins off marks of 80-85 and 94 and now 98, I would think something will come and beat him today from his middle draw.

 

Tabdeed in stall 28 is being backed, again I think that's more to do with the draw than actual form, Commanche Falls won this last year and is drawn 19 today, it could figure after a mixed preparation but I don't think this firmer ground is in his favour. At big Odds I will have £1 each way on GULLIVER;  it was runner up from Stall 22 last year, gets stall 1 today, we saw yesterday how in form the Yard is and it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see that rail be a huge asset. If you want a similar £1 each way on some at monster prices then I am confident that both ABLE KANE and ZARGUN will finish closer to the winner than the last (e/g in the first 14 home) and both if everything fell right are capable of an enhanced place.

 

Of those drawn lower the one I found hardest to ignore was Makanah (drawn 6) and of those more established its always very hard to rule out Summerghand, drawn 10 and who is coming back to a very nice mark for that man O'Meara. Those are the pair I fear the most in terms of the main selections.

 

My 4 against the field though are-:

 

TINTO stablemate of last year's winner Commanche Falls and drawn next to it in Stall 18 this year. It has enough solid form to suggest it can go close here and whilst i don't think the middle is the best place if the earlier 6 furlong race did throw up an obvious draw bias it is central enough to have tactical options.

 

GREAT AMBASSADOR was excellent last year but slower to come to hand today, drawn in Stall 12, I just have that gut feel that this is a target race and it'll be tuned to the day and it will be very disappointing if its not right in contention. 

 

METHOD is in Stall 24 and is on handicap debut. It's 2 year old form though is striking and it may yet prove to be better than a Handicapper. It's a speculative punt but the more I looked at this one the more I liked it.

 

WHENTHEDEALISDONE is drawn next door in 25, it has Course winning form and form at the Distance, it looks well handicapped and although best form is at 5 furlongs it did run very well in a competitive 6 furlong race last year. It could make a break at the furlong pole and be a tough nut to crack.

 

 

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