There are some great old exposed types in here but also a number of very promising and progressive young Chasers upped into Handicap company. Lets just hope we don't get "low sun" issues spoiling what could be a cracker.

 

Of the older guard Samual Jackson will no doubt need the run but could be coming back to a competitive mark after a good spell early in 2021, Didero Vallis for Ventia who broke her seasonal duck yesterday has usually needed a few runs to get race sharp, ST ERNEY is probably the most likely of the more exposed types, runner up in this last year off a mark of 115 when favourite, it's had a run, runs off 114 and if the younger horses don't click is probably primed to run its biggest race of the season.

 

Hows The Cricket for Harry Fry and Faustinovik are well supported and have good chances clearly, Lady KK may need the run and Bangers And cash for Ben Pauling who is in excellent form will be equally strong contenders. 

 

I'm really taken though by SEVEN NO TRUMPS and THE NEWEST ONE.

 

Whether SEVEN NO TRUMPS simply didn't get home over 3 miles and 2 furlongs at Cheltenham last time on seasonal debut or simply blew up needing the run we'll find out today. It may be a case of both and the step back to 3 miles, albeit a very tough one, looks sensible, THE NEWEST ONE is a typical Twiston-Davies type Chaser, it's in the Tracker and may still need this but it's one I'm very keen to follow after wins off 113 and 122 last season.

 

 

--------

 

The majority here have no real form yet over the trip and can only be watched.

 

I'm always keeping an eye on the small Jackie Du Plessis yard and it wouldn't be a surprise to see MARTHA BURRELL step up on what its shown so far. Bellamys Grey and Sinndebella will almost certainly both need and improve for the runs, Lightonthewing is a Wincanton specialist we will TRACK forwards, Flutiste has placed here a few times and will also come on for the run and the one they all have to beat is HALF THE FREEDOM if you want some 5/2 take it.

 

However, I cannot resist a bet on POUR UNE RAISON. A big price at the time of writing this before 9m, it popped up and won this corresponding race in 2020 at 50/1 off a mark of 89 and won again in March 2021 off a mark of 97 at Warwick, its struggled since and probably lost a lot of confidence. However it has done something most of this field will never do and won races. It's all about confidence , rhythm and enjoying running in races again and off a mark of 70 - I'm happy to take a chance.