This really is an intriguing race with several very unexposed horses at this trip who have been very impressive at 3 miles of late and any number of decent Chasers who could run big races.

 

It has been abnormally dry in Devon in the past 4-5 weeks but some heavy rain and strong winds last weekend and more rain this morning suggests the Good to Soft will be Soft by race time and make it a stamina test it may not have looked likely to be 24 hours ago when the better ground horses may have been more suited to conditions.

 

There aren't many with proven form at the trip in soft and for that reason it's impossible to leave out DANCING SHADOW, third in this last year very close at the finish, is race fit, runs off the same mark and similar place form at Warwick at same trip/conditions marks it's card as the only one really who we definitely know can run well and get the trip off a competitive mark.

 

Good Man Vinnie has form at 26 furlongs and ran well off a 3 year break recently but may be a better horse in slightly lower Class than this although great to see him back. MONTANNA for the Bowens has won at 3miles 3 furlongs, placed at 3 miles and 5 furlongs with multiple 3 mile wins but all bets form is on Good Going and that and the yard are negatives in my eyes but you always have to fear something with the proven stamina it clearly has.

 

Another one with glimmers of form at extended trips is Ualrightharry, it runs well at Plumpton up to 28 furlongs (3 and 1/2 miles) is off a nice weight and could outrun Odds in to a place but looks a bit deep here Class wise.

 

Then we have a whole host with proven 3 mile form who step up in trip and rarely have I seen a race stacked with so many potentially good progressive 3 mile Chasers upped in trip in the same race. It's very intriguing and hard to know what will thrive at further, what may struggle and it looks sure to be an informative race possibly for a few seasons ahead.

 

Working alphabetically, Dark Flame is OK at 3 miles and on heavy but in terms of form and scope doesn't look good enough in this grade. Monty Guiry for Christian Williams very upwardly mobile operation gets 3 miles and looks a longer term prospect than some of the others.Normandy Soldier has 3 mile Course winning form has won on soft and a real danger if getting the trip. Similarly, On Call a winner of 2 races at Chepstow for another operation to watch is another horse who could continue progressing.Snuff Box for Venetia, has the benefit of a run, form at 3 miles and on heavy and has run at this kind of trip OK if not exactly conclusively and came  very close to the final 4.

 

The Late Legend is being well backed in from a big price and understandable on Chase wins at 3 miles and 3 miles 2 furlongs in slightly lesser company, another danger as is, Gwencily Berbas for the Pipes; Aaron Lad for Dr Newland who biggest negative is the lack of a run and suggestions it usually needs seasonal debut and Pappa Poutine who is very inexperienced over Fences and could be anything quite frankly for the in for Twiston-Davies yard.

 

So with a bet recommended on DANCING SHADOW and a shrapnel bet if you wish on the proven stamina of Montanna, who do we think are the most likely of those with such good potential at 3 miles.

 

YOUNG OFFENDER was strikingly impressive winning at Chepstow over 3 miles and 2 furlongs and although favourite here there is each way value in the price and you can't help but be impressed visually with that last run. STORM FORCE BEN from the Hobbs yard has placed 3 times here, clearly likes the surroundings and long suggested that it will benefit over an extended trip and today we'll see what scope the horse actually has over 28 furlongs plus with the Course experience a big asset.

 

Unusually I can't argue against the market here but I think the market is good each way value on this occasion!

 

TRACKERS - Dancing Shadow / Young Offender / Storm Force Ben (shrapnel - Montanna) - I'm looking for a net profit to enhanced places on the race and a TRicast Perm

 

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At Sedgefield for a bit of shrapnel and your each way accumulators our Northern expert has flagged up-:

 

3 Alright Marlene @ 20/1 (4 places)  in the 12.35 race and 5 Getaway Jewel @ 15/2 in the 1.05 race as being what he thinks the best e/w value on the Card.

 

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