A top Class renewal of an always competitive race over 3 miles and 1 furlong on soft Going with 20 runners.

We could probably mention all of them but in the final analysis we focused on 4 of which 3 are at the top end of the market and one at longer odds.

The Going and need for proven stamina in the conditions and as always here Course form a vital requirement.

Vindication could frankly be anything. Hasn't been out since November where it won right handed at Ascot and up 8lbs for that. IF it's the horse some think it is will be very difficult to  beat but i want to take it on whilst fearing and respecting it. DISCORAMA very nearly won at this meeting last year and those who run well here one year have an unerring knack of becoming "Festival horses". Also a runner up here in 2018, stamina is rock solid, as is soft ground form and a recent wind op may be the key to a very well deserved victory. Has clearly been targeted at this race for a very long time.

THE CONDITIONAL has crept in to the race off a basement weight and is a Course and Distance winner. Didn't get home at Warwick over 1/2 mile further in January but not given a hard time once that lack of extra stamina was clear and the Handicapper gives him a few pounds back and the drop back in trip will be a big factor. At a bigger price and looking back 12 months BIG RIVER passed more than half the field in the last 1/2 mile up the hill. It promises to be a more attritonal race this time round  and if they can just sit a bit closer to the pace, which may be possible if they go just a little bit slower in the early stages, this one could run in to the to 5 or 6 places.

I really fear Kildisart and Elwood other than those mentioned and a cracking race is in prospect