A competitive race as always here and I'm happy to take on the likes of Unanswered and L'yser at the top of the market. Luimneach and Conna Cottage have both won Maidens and pitched in here and frankly could be anything but I'm happy to take them on also.

 

Breezy Bell who is in the trackers is of interest off a falling mark but i think that one is better at 2 miles and we'll await that day eagerly. Garcon Deux another tRacker horse is out of form and passed over today however both Lily Of Dromard who has proven stamina and who goes in the ground is one who can pop up in big field handicaps off a fast pace and like West Is Awake who needed its seasonal debut is worth a small investment in this type of race which is why they are in the TRacker.

 

Papal Lodge was a late non runner otherwise would have been a selection and the reserve TOOR MOMENT whose claimer brings its mark back to a very competitive one steps in as reserve. MUSIC OF TARA is unexposed but has shown considerable promise for Henry De Bromhead and Rachel gets the ride. GALI FLIGHT is one of those who should have won more races and it's definitely capable of winning one of these types of race and frankly has absolutely no excuses today!

 

 

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A fair few of these will most likely be here as a fitness run and to get a reduced mark and to qualify for the big final. Those here to win who may destroy a nice mark are the ones we need to be looking out for in the field of 28.

 

Of the 4 in the Tracker, I think JAYCEAN who has only had 4 runs, is gaining experience and who made a promising Handicap debut is worth a small investment, as are FUTRUM REGUM who was 3rd in this race last year off a mark of 122 and who despite being out of form since looks too well handicapped off 120 to ignore. A GREAT VIEW was 4th in this same race last year, will come on for a recent seasonal debut, looks laid out for another bold bid and TAKARANGO had a fascinating sighter over the trip last time and after being given a kind ride finished full of running, he's one who with luck in running could arrive on the scene late.

 

I looked at Noble Birth who may need better ground and Coventry who has become a cliff horse for me from the Elliott yard and leave both out reluctantly, Sainte Dona had a facile Maiden win and could be anything but this is uber competitive, Lord Erskine is knocking on the door but the mark is rising without the win it deserves and is another i fear greatly. Vina Ardanza and Music Drive have usual chances that any of Elliots have but might not want to spaff up possible handicap plot marks for the future, Good Time Jonny for Tony Martin is one who will no doubt be plotted somewhere and I'm not sure its off this mark today.

 

That left me with Eric Bloodaxe and Maxxum who just don't appeal to me at the prices and  PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS who is in very decent form and who looks a cracking each way bet for Gavin Cromwell and Mark Walsh

 

 

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I'll start with the tRackers again, Ask And Answer and Glenabo Bridge (who has an Entry here tomorrow) are reserves. Plain Or Battered fell last time but does have 3 mile P2P form and makes handicap debut. I haven't indicated for an investment but if you wanted a small dabble I would not put you off.

 

At the top of the market I fear Chainofconsequence, Positive Thinker and Clear The Clouds but at the prices I think there is better value elsewhere.

 

I really like KINGSTON KID who was runner up in this last season and who has been Chasing but is dropped in off a nice Hurdle mark of 99 and JOY OF LIFE who has a 3 mile P2P background and remains on the same mark as when a runner up last time, I think these conditions will suit.

 

I think the rain is a negative for Storm Mahler and Killinure Lass and Well Polly may not appreciate a 7lbs penalty although the drop in trip won't be a concern. Hunt Reflets has glimmers of interesting form. IMPERIAL KATE is the 4th Tracker horse and well worth an investment i think as it needed seasonal debut and showed real promise in Maidens last year and this looks a nice mark.

 

I'm also a bit more than quietly confident that this could be the day for SEANGOELL all of whose best work is in Heavy ground and who is a course winner and who also has winning form over further in Heavy Going. I think this one is well over-priced.

 

 

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Another competitive Handicap to fathom out.

 

A pair of TRACKERS here and Young Dev has been backed off the boards. I have to say it's largely due to a couple of Twitter scribes who make a lot of noise but both who have Bookie affiliations, make your own mind up about them. The value is long gone. The other Tracker is Camillas Choice who is back over Hurdles but whose best form is on much better Going.

 

I fear Time Marches On and Native Gold at the top end of the market but neither represent great value in what could be an end to end slog. 

 

My 4 against the field are MERCURY LANE who seems to be regaining confidence after being tried as a Chaser, it's got Course and Distance winning form and has won off a mark of 125, so 116 looks very appealing, GOTTHENOD has wins off marks of 95 and 102 has had 4 runs so should be spot on for this and off a mark of 103 has no excuses. WINTER CARNIVAL has 3 mile P2P form and has shown signs of running to form and will surely appreciate the trip and finally EXCITING OSCAR who was heavily backed when disappointing last time but who has solid form overall in these conditions and no excuses not to run much better today.