This is always a competitive race and I'm looking for proven form fresh, some fitness from AW or NH if there is any and in terms of the Draw, I slightly prefer being in the middle as opposed to either extreme. Although the Going is Soft > Heavy; today is another still dry day, so I think Yielding may be a better description. It can favour high numbers when it gets wet or wetter but I'm happy to trust me overall analysis and fancy a few at decent enough each way Odds to have 3 points in total on the race.

 

At big odds I think that Protaganist, drawn 26 for Jessie who has won off a break and on yielding, could outrun Odds but hard to know if it's a good mark or not, it wouldn't seem to be on last seasons form. Takeachancejimmy drawn in 22 who has also won fresh but 10lbs above win mark is another I see as a danger in terms of their ability to win fresh and first time up.

 

Of those drawn Low, clearly Star Of Cashel, In From the Cold and Comfort LIne have enough ability and proven form to be big contenders IF there is any kind of bias on the far side but I'm not convinced enough to believe that's the place to be to invest in them today.

 

Up high the same applies to Agitare and Laughifuwant both have good Course form and dangers if fit to do themselves justice but on balance of past form, both will benefit from the run today.

 

Adrian McGuiness who found the winner of the race last year and who normally hits the ground running relies on two ex John Gosden horses in Godhead and Casanove, both nicely drawn, both could be anything, but Gosden is one who I think rarely lets any Stock horse go at the sales who he thinks might be a slow improver and it will be interesting to see how both fare today.

 

At the top of the market, Teed Up is very consistent but upped in Class here, Maker Of Kings is also consistent but has had the chop (gelded) since last season and not sure if that will be a help or a hindrance and Gee Rex is a worthy favourite having won 3 of its last 4 on the Flat but I think one more suited to better and genuinely "Good" Going.

 

I'll take all of these on with 3 x 1/2 point each way Trackers.

 

MIRANN is dropped in trip and may need every inch of the trip and luck in running but is a lovely horse who travels well and sharp enough to win at 9 and a half furlongs, has won on seasonal debut, off 86 last year, runner up off a mark of 98, drawn in the middle in Stall 12 and off a mark of 99 could get a lovely tow in to the race.

 

FAME AND ACCLAIM for JosephOB, a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 94, has had a pipe-opener on the AW at Dundalk, back under 100 and runs off 98 here, drawn 15 and I would be disappointed if not right in the mix and some place money at least.

 

INSIGNIA OF RANK is more speculative but I think this is its best trip on the Flat, fit from Hurdling and this may be best opportunity to grab a nice win or place price with that bit of fitness as an advantage, and could run well at a bigger price.