A typically tough and competitive race and one in which many have to conclusively prove form at the trip in the heavy conditions. As usual Elliott throws in a pair of old hands who at first glance are very much out of form and look forlorn on current form but are clearly once very capable horses. Both GENERAL PRINCIPLE @ 33/1 and OUT SAM @ 14/1 are big prices given their once lofty ability and I always think the way to play these types is a crafty "shrapnel bet" on the off chance one has a going day and "pops up" - so a few quid each way on both, when they "pop up" it doesn't warrant anything other than a shrewd wink to yourself.

 

In terms of the rest, clearly Tokyo Getaway is a worthy favourite, the one to beat and may be well worth a small win saver too if you want to adopt a tactical approach to finding net profit in the big race of the day with the generous enhanced place odds on offer.

 

So what of the actual serious tips for those who want me to cut to the chase.

 

I narrowed down to 4 horses all at nice odds. Of those I narrowly left out ROCKYS SILVER (@ 10/1)  who comes up in grade but has some nice progressive form and would be a handy reserve in the case of a non runner.

 

I can't leave out the winner last year for us THE GATECHECKER, clearly primed for this race again with a pair of warm up's. Course form and proven stamina, only up in reality 6lbs in the handicap and with a clear round of jumping and luck in running, one you'd definitely see in the places at least, so happy to make an each way tip.

 

I think that AH LITTLELUCK is ready now to take one of these types of race and a bit under the radar, stays well, is fit, Going no excuse and off a nice mark and another who looks solid place material. The same applies to MICK THE JIVER, although that one has to conclusively prove stamina, nice weight, handicapper gives it every chance, Going is fine and has never been stopping over 3 miles and indications it can step up to this longer trip.

 

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Can't ignore the claims of SOJOURN even before a treble for the yard yesterday at Ascot although this could turn out to be a tortuous slog!

 

A win saver might be right for some and if you are in that kind of camp, then feel free and don't mind me.

 

There are some horses in here who may need the run. Great to see DEBECE back on a racecourse, a beautiful horse who is sadly fragile and keeps getting injuries at just the wrong time. May be in time Veteran Chases may suit that one. Dino Boy who has moved to Iain Jardine will certainly be one to follow and  a danger today if fit, Roll Again will no doubt be well backed for those who follow Venetia blindly at this time of year and the Yard seem to be in better shape this time round to hit the ground running. Fortified Bay is of interest with the equally capable but oft under-rated Jennie Candlish in fine form and getting a few ready first time out. I'll be tracking all of those for runs after today.

 

The one I most like though is LATE ROMANTIC who is one with solid form, nice mark, handles conditions, we have to take fitness on trust of course but has run well and won off breaks before of 231 days (win) and 238 days (runner up) so with that clear form evidence worth an each way punt.