12:40 Monmiral wins this surely. It should be easy against 2 other rivals who are not as classy. His effort behind Jonbon was probably a very good effort!

1:15 I’m going to side with Gumball here who I think could be going for it. He’s had a run back over fences and actually turned into the straight at Ascot going as well as Thyme White, Before Midnight and Frero Banbou but appeared to get tired late on. Before that his previous start over fences over 2m came in the Grand Annual when sent off just 14/1 off a mark of 140. He disappointed when fading quickly coming to the 3rd last and the heavy going probably contributed to this as he’s a horse who’s better form has come on better going. What catches my eye is the application of headgear or tongue ties and when it’s been previously applied. Tongue tie was applied for the Triumph in 2018 and then taken off after. A hood was applied when dropping back to the flat and then taken off after 2 wins. It was re-applied in the Listed handicap hurdle at Market Rasen and then taken off after 7 runs. The cheekpieces were then re-applied last year for the Grand Annual. I think they like to apply them to get some spark into the horse and the fact the tongue is back on here , I’m hoping this can help him finish his race off. He was actually dropped 2lb for his 4th place and his jockey takes a further 3lb off so is effectively 5lb lower whilst the winner Thyme White is effectively 6lb higher which means there is an 11lb swing.

1:50 Frero Banbou steps up in trip to 2 1/2 for the first time and has some good form over 2m without ever really reaching his full potential. He stayed on well in the Grand Annual and now he’s racing much more comfortable over 2m (previously not been able to keep up), it may be he will now get this trip and this is what he’s wanted all along. I would quite like to see them revert to hold up tactics over this trip and if he does then I think he goes very close here.

2:25 Epantate arguably ran a really good race for a long way behind Constitution Hill and we know Epatante has great form at Cheltenham. Her rivals here have potential but are top class handicappers trying to make into Graded performers. I don’t think Epatante has lost her way her yet and I would be disappointed if she was beaten here.

11:45 For Pleasure was last seen finishing 4th of 4 in a Grade 2 at Ascot behind horses rated 141, 155 and 157. Essentially he had no chance. We have to remember he went off just 7/1 for a Grand Annual off 138 against horses rated 136 – 156 (the 136 winner was a multiple Grade 2 winner). At Doncaster For Pleasure will be taking on horses rated 112-130 and if he gets an easy lead at the front (I think he will), I think he can go close here. This opposition are moderate and don’t look hugely progressive.

1:30 Nusret is entered here and at Cheltenham but this is his 1st preference. If racing goes ahead, I think he’ll take all the beating. His flat form wasn’t bad for Joseph O’Brien and his debut win over hurdles was impressive. The Irish Juveniles are generally better than the English as well and this trip looks ideal. I think Almuhit will need further for Denis Hogan and I think Scriptwriter will be liked Knight Salute, a smart Juvenile but when he takes on the Irish will find out he’s not quite good enough to win.

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