This is a competitive Class 4 race for a "Regional National" and although one of the easier tracks in terms of stamina the nature of the turning and tightness of the Circuit means that stamina has to be taken into account. The Going is Good to Soft and I think we should very much take that at face value and not see demons that probably aren't there.

 

I arrived at a shortlist of 3 horses in here and lack of proven stamina was the main reason for discounting a significant number which included, Loch Gamon Aris, Beatthebullet, Bretney, Camp Belan, and Conqueredalofeurope. There are reasons to think all of those could be dangerous id seeing out the trip but none really stand out as obviously crying out for the jump up in trip although Hughes for McCain on Conqueredalofeurope will be very well supported here and Camp Belan comes from a Yard that specialise in long distance Chasers.

 

Buddha Scheme has proven stamina but is a bit too hit and miss for me, Glittering Love has run well a few times and the trip is less of a niggle than the Trainers comments on a few occasions after defeats that he thought the horse needed soft Going, No Cruise Yet has done nothing but progress since joining it's current Yard but comes off a break and off a mark that just puts me off for now, that's one I considered for a long time though. The Questioner is favourite despite this being handicap debut, its very progressive from an in form progressive Yard with 3 mile P2P background but there are some tough old nuts in here and at the price I want to take the horse on. I would say that if it wins here it will definitely be one to follow over the next 18-24 months!

 

There is one at a big price that just missed a shout out and that's Event De Sivola who has won at 4 miles in an easier level contest, it's a horse that could run prominently and if getting in to a rhythm clearly has the legs to get home but just missed out in the final analysis so a handy reserve.

 

My three against the field in order of preference would be-:

 

ECLAIR DE GUYE - a very consistent long distance Chaser with Bryony Frost riding for Lucy Wadham, runner up and place over similar trips in 2 of 3 runs this season both in Class 3 races and off a static mark of 115 here so looks very solid.

 

MOZOROV COCKTAIL - gets 4 miles based on a solid runner up effort at Kelso off a mark of 103. It had a few runs and looked primed to run a big race here for Tim Easterby off a mark of 100 and was clear second pick.

 

DON HERBAGER - romped home in this last year by 16 lengths off a mark of 105. Cheek Pieces return for the first time since off a mark of 114. IF the Cheek Pieces work the oracle again, I think the manner of the victory last year can negate a mark that is 9lbs higher. Slightly more question marks than the other 2 but stood out clear of all the rest.