We have to assume that the word "soft" will be in the Going description by this time and that throws a different context on the race.

 

At the head of the market the top 2 were most impressive last time but it's both hard to quantify the actual quality and form of the races they won and both have whopping 13lbs penalties so with that and the rain I will leave QUICKTHORN and AADDEY out of my selections.

 

Next comes GRAND BAZZAR who would not want it too soft on past form and pedigree and SAM COOKE who doesn't look to be in the greatest of form.

 

At bigger and more palatable each way prices come WIN O'CLOCK who is race fit, best form uphill right handed in soft and who was 4th rated in my short list of 4 in the race. I'll keep that one as a reserve in case of a non runner.

 

I'll have a TRACKER bet on MIRANN an Irish Raider who is solid with a capital S. I can't find anything not to like about this one, right trip, ideal Going if softer, ideal trip and a nice handicap mark and really no excuses other than it may have been beaten a bit for Class on Good to Firm but really solid on likely Going.

 

I just fancy a pair of Alan King's trio though a bit more. SCARLET DRAGON won this in 2019 coming with a rattling run for Hollie Doyle off a mark of 97, just 4lbs more here and conditions have come right and I'd expect similar tactics. The one it may have to pass is stable mate TRITONIC ridden by Ryan Moore, best Flat Turf form is at 10 furlongs but has won over 2 miles on AW and this looks perfect, Course and Distance runner up at the Festival in the "Golden Gates" Handicap off a mark of 95 in 2019, and runs here off a mark of 99.