Verdict

Not a race to get too heavily involved in and one that should seriously concern about three or four contestants. One of those is our selection, Paddy The Piper. Trainer Len Lungo has a terrific record in these contests and his charge ran promisinlgy on debut at Perth in April, when finishing third to Mr Wellard. Providing he doesn't need the run, he should certainly improve for that previous experience and is taken to lead them home. Thieves'glen finished a place and about four lengths down on the selection in that Perth race, but has had the benefit of a recent run to put him straight. Clearly he has to have a major chance here and should again not be too far away from the selection if he handles the ground. Nickel Suntoo made a promising debut at Southwell last month, but then ran a stinker at Doncaster last time. Despite his yard's good form he has a bit to prove now. Peterson's Cay has looked one with some ability in his previous three bumpers. Coming from a yard who does so well here he has to be respected, but ideally would prefer better underfoot conditions. Two others to consider as far as market support is concerned are debutantes Grey Badger and What A Man. Both come from yards in top form, and the latter is a rare runner for owner Paul Green at Catterick.