With the market leader returning off a break and a Trainer change, albeit to Christian Williams who is in excellent form, I think the one they all have to beat here is AVITHOS.

 

It's Class 5 and these are consistent horses but Avitos won back to back races at this trip and over significantly further in Heavy Going at the back end of last season, has had 2 runs to regain peak fitness over insufficient trips and really does tick every box. It's more than a win saver for me, just a case of whether you back it to win or have the each way saver if the price when you punt is 4/1 or more. I can't see it not being placed with luck in running and strongly fancy it to win. 

 

Of the remainder I think a few are no-hopers here, the likes of Son Of Oz and Jappleoup,of the rest, I can't fancy Castlearrie who gets cheek-pieces to try to find some spark, Dragoon Springs gets the trip but all runs so far have been on better ground, Bunny Boru has had a run and ran prominently for a way, may just need this but one who may be worth keeping an eye on if showing any improvement here.

 

A few who have glimmers of form and chances are Doyen Queen who seems to travel well and then not find much at all off the bridle and who gets a first time tongue strap to go with the hood, strikes me as one who has wind issues and may have some potentially if they can just resolve that so one I do fear. Quick Pick makes seasonal debut off 279 for the always dangerous Jennie Candlish and has placed at the trip and further so one to track after this run I would strongly suggest, Soloist is one who has placed here and has an each way shout and just missed the final cut as did Waikiki Waves who returned to hurdles last time and ran a distant 4th, it's the connections (Gary Moore) that jump off the page more than the pure form and a pre-Christmas touch would be no surprise!

 

I was left with 3 to consider with AVITOS, of them Rollercoaster is intriguing in that it comes off an extended break and a wind operation and the last time that happened it hosed up and then got pulled up next twice, will lightning strike twice, it may do and for that reason it's one to be very aware of if attracting any market support.

 

TIMELY GIFT for Tim Vaughan is OK on soft, has won off 77 and 81 and is running in to fitness and off a mark of 82 should be running a place here at least and JUST TOBY for David Dennis who has had some success branching back out on his own again gets the assistance of Sam T-D a Course and Distance runner up and the one I think will give AVITHOS most to do.

 

TIP - AVITHOS - Tracker - Just Toby (Shrapnel / Tricast - 10 Timely Gift @ 12/1)