I'm shite. And I know I am. Well, I'm not bad. So why not? Eh? Because I'm shite? How dare you sir!
All odds currently available with Betfair at time of writing
1.30 King's Charm @ 9.8
Yard done well in this race (won both divisions in 2006) and this grandson of Oaks winner Fair Salinia, who has an Irish Derby entry, takes eye on pedigree; market should be revealing.
2.00 Fanjura @ 8.00
Sales price nearly quadrupled as yearling to 290,000gns and easily the most expensive of his generation by his sire at the 2006 sales; yard won both divisions of this two years ago and this trip should suit on debut so has to be respected.
2.35 Mambo Light @ 6.4
Highest priced of these at public auction, plenty to like about her on pedigree (half-sister to smart sprinter Dietrich) and should be high on shortlist with in-form stable having creditable 21% strike-rate with 2yos here in recent years.
3.10 Prime Defender @ 7.4 Sonny Red @ 13.50 (e/w)
Prime Defender: Disappointing he did not fare better in Group company in second half of last season after looking set to take high rank in this division when winning Listed event at Haydock last May; however, did best of those drawn low on ground plenty slow enough for him on Doncaster return last month and would not rule out back at scene of his Free Handicap success.
Sonny Red: Runner-up in the Craven on quick ground here 12 months ago but very much at home sprinting on soft ground and been in good nick this spring, first success since 2yo days last time; has to be respected but would have made even more appeal on slower ground.
Sonny Red: Runner-up in the Craven on quick ground here 12 months ago but very much at home sprinting on soft ground and been in good nick this spring, first success since 2yo days last time; has to be respected but would have made even more appeal on slower ground.
3.45 Twice Over @ 4.60 River Proud @ 18.00 (e/w)
Twice Over: Created big impression both his starts here last autumn, following his C&D maiden success (in good time) by landing the odds over 1m2f when ridden with maximum confidence; nothing special about bare form (has BHA rating of just 94) but figures prominently in betting both for Guineas and Derby; stamina not guaranteed for 1m4f and very interesting contender here.
River Proud: Did not do himself justice on couple of occasions last year but proved himself very smart colt when winning Group 3 here last October and when pipped in July Stakes; yard could not have started season in better form and no surprise if he goes well.
River Proud: Did not do himself justice on couple of occasions last year but proved himself very smart colt when winning Group 3 here last October and when pipped in July Stakes; yard could not have started season in better form and no surprise if he goes well.
4.20 Traffic Guard @ 19.5 e/w
Excellent effort with cheekpieces discarded when third in Dubai Group 2 over this trip last month, improving markedly on previous handicap efforts there from favourable low draw; this will require more on debut for new trainer.
4.55 Light Hearted @ 13.00 e/w
From very good family, notable for her brother Byron (Group 2 winner at 6f/7f); stable done well with its early runners on turf and betting likely to give an idea of expectations.
5.30 Dream Desert @ 17.00 e/w Grand Strategy @ 30.00 e/w
Dream Desert: Unraced at two but quickly making up for lost time with two AW wins this spring at Wolverhampton, including handicap debut over similar trip three weeks ago; going the right way fast but turf debut at this tough level asking good deal of him.
Grand Strategy: Made good start to the year on the AW but didn´t look as sharp upped to similar trip at Wolverhampton latest (not the best of runs) and must find improvement from somewhere to cope at this level back on turf.
Grand Strategy: Made good start to the year on the AW but didn´t look as sharp upped to similar trip at Wolverhampton latest (not the best of runs) and must find improvement from somewhere to cope at this level back on turf.
