I think there is a fair bit of deadwood at higher prices, unproven at the trip and unknown ability who may simply not be good enough.

 

If there is one lurking I think it may be GLENMALURE LODGE who has shown promise at the trip a few times and may be capable of competing for an enhanced place if everything clicks.

 

Chosen Diamond is another who has shown glimmers of promise at the big-price end of the market. I think General Clermont needs shorter but remains one to track and watch, Exciting Oscar won this race 2 years ago off a mark of 95, that can't be ignored but neither can the 257 days off, one I fear but I think there are a few better today. Cher Why Not may not appreciate the expected rain but capable of picking up a race of this type and another who may just see its chances suffer due to the rain is Ballyglass Beauty who is solid and consistent and another dangerous opponent. Old Soul and Bonne Debut are both in the Tracker (see below) but having considered both very carefully I think that the step up in trip for OS and the inflated mark and expected rain, just put me off both today. Their turns will come i'm sure and we'll continue to track them.

 

Dr Val is being well supported courtesy of a runner up run behind Sweet Will who then went out and won at Cheltenham. I can see the logic of thinking the form is franked but I equally think Sweet Will won the Cheltenham prep race with tons in hand and could easily have trebled the distance to Dr Val. Birdie Blitz may need the run here and the hot favourite JUNGLE PROSE form Elliotts yard can only be backed as a "win saver" if you wish.

 

The ones I'll go to war with are TYRE KICKER and ALFIERI and with smaller stakes on GLANABO BRIDGE and the already mentioned GLENMALURE LODGE.

 

TYRE KICKER needed its seasonal debut, has Course and Distance winning form (on the Inner Track) and looks a very solid each way punt as does ALFIERI who won off a mark of 88 and has been very competitive off a mark of over 100 subsequently, it may just have found an in form tartar in Gaius last time and is another who has every chance. GLENABO BRIDGE looks striking similar in profile to Courting Vickie, who I missed at 50/1 in the week, its a Course and Distance winner, on a nice mark, trip and Going hold no fears and just one of those who can and does pop up "in turn" when everything clicks and the opportunity arises. Equally likely to finish 11th as 1st but it did jump off the page at me begging to be backed.