A competitive race on a Track that is a real test of stamina with the uphill bend making the final 5-6 furlongs a real test and important test of a jockey to get the fractions right and not to kick for home too soon. Course experience is an asset and proven stamina in the mud should come to the fore. It's a drying day so the conditions could mean "dead thick ground"...glupey might be the term.

 

Asking For Answers is the obvious starting point and may well be the answer and an emphatic winner here but despite good form recently it did fall when very tired in this race last year and I'm not sure there is any value today. One of those you can have a saver on if you wish.

 

Leveroak Lass is best at this trip, best form though is on "soft" and this won't be soft and the horses form on heavier going is less compelling and at the price I don't think represents value.Mymilan has to prove it gets this trip in the conditions and off this mark too not convinced of the market value. THE DAWN MAN is one to keep a close eye on and track. I think it will be winning races soon, hopefully not today (famous last words) but on the balance of probability, may still just need the run. One to watch in 3-4 weeks time for sure.

 

That leaves me with three exposed but capable horses on their day and these conditions play to their strengths on past form.

 

SPIRIT OF HALE has needed both runs. Jennie Candlish is an expert in this type of race and this horse will now be primed fitness wise. The trip and going is fine and it is marginal preference for a full tip with every box ticked.

 

SMUGGLERS STASH is a Course and Distance winner, runs off a nice mark based on a runner up effort in heavy at Wetherby in March. If it can be delivered at the right time can bring that stamina in to play and clearly no issues with the undulations or uphill finish. It was pulled up in this off a mark of 100 last year, but that's always been a few pounds too high in terms of the horses handicap ceiling and off 91 today has no excuses on that score.

 

Finally CRANK EM UP, has form at up to 4 miles, will be on and off the bridle and likely vanish off the screen at some point on the final circuit. The hill though plays to its strengths "it's an out and out plodder" and I think that ability to stay forever will see if pass pulled up and tired horses and possibly nick an enhanced place at big Odds. It won't be pretty and it may finish in the next county but that may suffice!. Backing to 5th with Sky is key to this strategy or at least an enhanced 4th place