Silviniaco Conti, the form choice for Wetherby's Charlie Hall at 3.15 , is priced accordingly and I'm fast running out of reasons to oppose.
So far this season Paul Nicholls' runners have tended to need their first outing but Silviniaco had a racecourse spin last week - connections see this race as a prep for Haydock's Betfair Chase in three weeks' time.
On official ratings Taquin Du Seuil, in receipt of five pounds, still has ten to find with the favourite while Menorah comes form a stable bang in form but has had his share of jumping problems in the past.
In the previous two renewals of this race Wayward Prince finished second (beaten 11 lengths by Silviniaco in 2012 and a neck by Harry Topper last year) and would have made some appeal as an each-way wager had eight been declared...
In search of better value I've been drawn to Ascot's Byrne Group chase at 2.20.
Only nine go to post but the layers bet 4/1 the field.
Michael Scudamore's Next Sensation was well tipped up for the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in March and the gelding looked to have the spoils in the bag when three lengths clear at the last but he was headed in the final 100 yards and finished fourth, beaten a neck to third by Claret Cloak; the latter named finished down the field at Cheltenham a fortnight ago but is sure to have gained some benefit from the run.
Back in March Manyriverstocross beat Bellenos a short-head over course and distance - Alan King's charge is two pounds better off but Dan Skelton's six-year-old looks less exposed while course and distance winner Ulck Du Lin is not readily dismissed with Sean Bowen able to claim seven.
A tight handicap but I'm swayed by confidence shown by Michael Scudamore in midweek.
With the trainer's brother Tom in the plate, Next Sensation gets the nod (4/1 William Hill, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power).
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No sensations this time with connections choosing to adopt different tactics and ride a more patient waiting race.
Next Sensation (9/2 jf) made a bad mistake in front of the stands and that seemed to affect his confidence; as the race unfolded he gradually lost his pitch and came round the home turn in sixth, his change already gone.
The race went to Ulck Du Lin (9/2 jf) who made most and held Claret Cloak (13/2) three quarters of a length at the post.
Silviniaco Conti (even money favourite) put in a below par effort on his seasonal debut, only finishing fifth behind Menorah (8/1).
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