A lot of rain overnight here in Devon and likely Going up in Somerset will be a fair bit softer too as a result and have factored that in to deliberations.

 

A number of these aren't really proven at the trip or on the Going. Demon Fou won over Course and Distance here off a mark of 107, still a little bit in the grip of the handicapper and better on Ground a fair bit better than this. Hygrove Percy won back in October off a mark of 118, up in trip from that and definitely a horse that prefers better Going. Clooooney showed a fair amount of promise last season, poor Boxing Day return since and not been out again. Will watch today but a horse who could return to form at any time. Duc De Beauchene is up 10lbs for an Autumn win, been off since a run off new mark on Boxing Day. Always fear a Pipe horse round here and of those mentioned above, probably the one most feared.

 

Smackwater Jack is a short price, fell when favourite at first last week, has form at 3 miles so no stamina concerns but seems to be one paced even at that trip and will have to find a change of gear here it's not yet had. Big danger but one I want to take on.

 

My tip is EARTH MOOR, runner up over the course at 2 1/2 miles, fine on soft, indications will get this trip and Richard Johnson booking replacing an apprentice looks significant, especially with his chase for winners. I think the one they all have to beat though is DARSI IN THE PARK so I will have a win saver on that one that ticks every Going box and who won a P2P over 3 miles and under rules over 2 miles.