1.45 – I think this race is dependent on the ground as BANBRIDGE is much a better horse on a sounder surface and he comes here a fresh horse having skipped Cheltenham. Having backed Stage Star at Cheltenham I found it hard to go against him here but I think that freshness and a sounder surface might just hand the advantage to Banbridge who himself boasts some top form.
2.20 – I’m pretty sweet on BO ZENITH here for the Gary Moore team. There were strong vibes about him ahead of his debut at Sandown but he completely blew out there but has since shown that hype to be somewhat justified. A victory at Haydock was followed by a facile success at Stratford and although the form doesn’t jump out at you I think 6/1 is a fair price today in a race which could be pretty flakey.
2.55 – A watching brief is probably advised here. Conflated looks a little big for a horse who ran well in the race last year and also for a horse who is so consistent. Ahoy Senor and A Plus Tard are becoming increasingly frustrating whilst GA Law is probably out of his depth. But I think if the real SHISHKIN turns up then he wins this very easily. A remarkable performance in the Ryanair where he probably should have been pulled up but instead finished second shows what sort of engine he has. If that rare poor jumping performance can be ignored and forgotten about then I think he wins this.
3.30 – Just enjoy CONSTITUTION HILL ….again…..
4.05 – FAMOUS CLERMONT looks an obvious one here given how he travelled into the race at Cheltenham and the drop in trip should be an obvious suit. Of the ones at the top of the market he would be my pick but it’s always worth having a punt at one at a huge price in this race and SIR JACK YEATS looks a little big for a horse with such a good record around here. Fergal O’Brien seems to have rejuvenated him somewhat having finished behind some top Hunter chasers at more conventional tracks this Winter but if he can enjoy himself around here like he used to then he could be in the mix.
4.40 – Providing the ground isn’t too bad by this time of the day then I think THIRD TIME LUCKI should take some beating. He probably finds himself between a rock and a hard place in regards to his handicap mark but he travelled into the Grand Annual, on ground he wouldn’t have liked, like the winner only to fade in the final furlong. On this better ground in a weaker race I think he can gain compensation.
5.15 – At first glance this looks like a minefield but I’ve had a couple of Mares in mind for this race for a few weeks now. DYSART ENOS has been one of the standout mares of the season after victories at Ludlow and Market Rasen this season and both wins were impressive. The latter at Market Rasen was arguably more impressive given she was stone last turning in in a muddling race but overhauled the highly regarded Queens Gamble with a hands and heels ride only. That is good form and I think there is more to come.
If BABY SAGE perhaps had one more run she would have been a stronger fancy than what she is now. Alan King‘s mare caught the eye when scooting away in a Mares bumper at Warwick on what was pretty horrendous ground at the time. The way she quickened again late on really impressed me and with King’s record in this race she is a solid each way punt at 16/1.
