A very competitive race where it's really hard to rule too much out of contention but possible value to be had.

 

I don't think either First Man or Silent Encore are of any great value with niggles in both cases about the trip and the softer Going. They are market leaders on merit but couldn't be confident at the Odds of an investment in either. Clondaw Rigger similarly off top weight takes a drop in grade but has not indicated it's looking likely to win soon and 9/2 is no each way value.

 

In Arrears comes off a 329 day break and form in the past suggests may need this run, Out For Justice has been running well but evidence suggests barely gets 3 miles and only then on better firmer underfoot conditions, Sandford Castle, who struck in to itself last time sustaining a slight injury, may also need the run and a confidence booster. I'm happy to take those on too.

 

I kept coming back to 3 of the runners and my idea of the most likely to win at an each way price is CUCKLINGTON who has moved from the Tizzards to Rob Walford, himself a fine Trainer of a long distance Chaser. A Course and Distance specialist for the Tizzards, has had 2 runs so no fitness concerns, won off 99-103 and 108 over Course and Distance , so looks well handicapped off a mark of 100 and has won here on Good, Soft and Heavy. If you get the picture, really has no excuses and no reason why it can't run a big race with a clear round and luck in running.

 

BIG TIME FRANK probably deserves a win more than any horse in recent times, eight times the bridesmaid as runner up and 6 of those in succession where the handicapper increased the mark unfairly in the eyes of many from 82 to 94. A runner up last time but runs off 83 here and fine at trip and in this Going. If ever a horse deserved some luck it's this one, probably needs to be a distant second and see leader unship at last....got to have a great place chance again at least. Narrowly preferred to DONT BE ROBIN, on whom I'll stake a Tricast Perm, and reserve if either of the selections don't run, won at this trip off 78 at Chepstow, back to a mark of 74 and Rex Dingle continues to be massively impressive in the saddle.