A big field handicap hurdle on drying but watered ground. I think you could pontificate all day on whether it's Good, Soft, over watered, under watered, it is what it is and we just have to base analysis on it being Good enough for those that need it Good and Soft enough for those that need a bit of cut in the ground. Anything else is an excuse frankly and with 22 runners and enhanced place plenty of scope to perm either type of horse.

 

I narrowed the 22 down to 9 on a short list and of those I think Monte Christo is a danger with good each way prospects but no more than that for Henderson; Tronador could be a dark horse for the Elliott/Foster team and is a horse who has clearly had niggles it's just a case of how fit it is to deliver on previous promise and one I didn't leave out lightly.Mister Coffey is another henderson horse, up 10lbs and up in trip and hard to know how good the horse is but it didn't jump off the page at me to be honest.

 

Jacamar is of some interest on previous CD form but is up to a mark of 135 and 8lb rise for last win and 13lbs above CD run mark, that just puts me off but i anticipate a bold run from this one.Amarillo Sky is another carrying a big penalty, 13lbs no less for this Tizzard horse who is one of a few to have shown true form in a torrid season for the yard. I don't rule it out lightly either.

 

That leaves me with 4 and I'm most keen on WHATSUPWITHYOU who looks to be a progressive horse just ahead of it's mark and who should thrive in these conditions. It's a nice each way price in an enhanced place Odds and warrants a tip. I also think that SOLWARA ONE could be the most progressive of the progressive types in the race, on handicap debut it gets what looks a decent mark and preferred to though lumbered by penalties on that basis.

 

I can't totally leave out EDWARDSTONE who nicked a place at nice Odds for us at Cheltenham against the Irish onslaught but the price has gone a bit. KATESON has such good Course form that you can't totally leave it out of the selections although it wouldn't want it getting any drier that Good to Soft so may be best to wait and see what Going is reported to be shortly before the Off. If they report it Good to Soft have a bet, if it's Good and drying fast, probably the chance has gone.

 

TIPS - Whatsupwithyou + Solwara One / TRACKER - Edwardstone (Kateson if Good to Soft or softer)