Odds available with Betfair at time of writing....
1.55 La Vecchia Scuola @ 2.96 - Still a dodgy jumper; nevertheless, series of improved efforts at 2m2f+ over last couple of months, running a blinder in the face of a very stiff task in Aintree Grade 1 over 3m and then registering last-gasp victory dropped back to 2m for handicap here yesterday; big chance on the ratings if turned out again.
2.30 Endless Power @ 11.5 e/w - First four wins of his career were all here but proved a revelation with first ´away´ success when making all and thrashing opposition in decent Aintree novice handicap earlier this month; seemed to appreciate the good ground then, so though he has won in testing conditions, could probably do with rain staying away; ran well when third in handicap over C&D yesterday but had hard enough race and more needed anyway if turned out again.
3.00 Pearl King @ 5.6 - Ground is crucial as he has shown a marked preference for a decent surface, including when back from 11 months off and clearcut winner of competitive Aintree handicap recently; 16lb higher now but still looks one of the better-weighted contenders with somany of these out of the handicap and, with more probably to come, leading contender.
French Saulaie @ 19.5 e/w - Returned to hurdles with highly creditable third in County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time; reliable sort who will go in conditions and every reason to expect a good show.
3.40 Miko De Beauchene @ 9.4 - Two big handicap wins at around 3m4f this term, going up 9lb both times; Halcon Genelardais may be better off for very close call in Welsh National first occasion but this one has improved since and shapes as if he´s the more likely to appreciate 4m, in fact he will probably relish every yard (ran well with insufficient test over hurdles latest); fine chance.
Wild Cane Ridge @ 19.00 e/w -Testing ground suits and, even though 3lb out of handicap, on decent mark judged on best efforts from last term and this; also interesting for a thorough stamina test, so one to consider; big issue is whether his sometimes haphazard jumping holds up but this is first time as chaser that he´s had blinkers (worn over hurdles last three starts) to help.
Ossmoses @ 19.00 e/w - Off with a tendon strain for nearly a year, reappearing last month with satisfactory show (assuming needed race) at Newbury; 11lb out of handicap but go back to his form two years ago (over 3m4f and 4m1f, both on heavy) and he has a chance.
4.20
