A chance is taken with Effigy, who is selected ahead of Hits Only Cash and Libre in this wide-open handicap. Libre has held his form well lately and, with two previous course wins to his name, obviously likes his racing at Chepstow. The Frank Jordan-trained gelding is impervious to the state of the ground and, if he gets the breaks in running, he can give his faithful supporters plenty to shout about if he gets the breaks in running. Hits Only Cash has a bit to find with Libre judged on their encounter here in July, so needs everything to go his way. However, he posted an encouraging effort last time out at Lingfield and, assuming he doesn't leave himself with too much ground to make up in the closing stages, he can at least make the frame in this company. Sulano is another to bear in mind, as he is effective at this level and goes particularly well for today's rider (Travis Block). However, Effigy makes a touch more appeal from a punting perspective at the likely odds. And, as he is in the minority of those that can be guaranteed to love a slog through the mud, the Henry Candy-trained gelding is worth a small investment today.
Kensington (IRE) 14-1 (9-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to take third inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Russian Epic (9-13) at Leicester 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Valentino Swing (IRE) 9-1 (9-7) Raced wide behind, ridden over 3f out, and never dangerous from over 2f out, 8th of 12, 8l behind Millfields Dreams (9-1) at Kempton 7f app hcp (5) pol in Jul.
Blue Charm 12-1 (9-5) Behind, some headway over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened quickly 2f out, soon tailed off, last of 10, 31l behind Merrymadcap (9-3) at Newbury 1m 1f app hcp (5) gs.
Lordship (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Held up, effort on inside 3f out, driven 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 18l behind Shesha Bear (9-1) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Hits Only Cash 14-1 (9-8) Soon pushed along in rear, driven halfway, plenty to do when switched left over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner final furlong, not quite get up, 2nd of 12, nk behind Stand In Flames (10-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Wrecking Crew (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Always towards rear, 8th of 11, 6l behind Rainbow Mirage (8-9) at Chepstow 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gf in Jun '06.
Effigy 4-1 (9-4) Towards rear, came stand's side straight, headway over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Isphahan (9-10) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Sularno 9-1 (9-3) Led until over 3f out, ridden and one pace from over 2f out, 4th of 12, 10l behind Inquisitress (8-5) at Kempton 1m app hcp (5) pol in Jul.
April Fool 6-1 (9-3) Tracked leader 2f, stayed prominent, ridden over 4f out, lost touch and weakened rapidly over 3f out, 9th of 12, 11l behind Willie Ever (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcap (5) pol in Jul.
Libre 13-2 (9-9) Held up mid division, smooth headway over 2f out, soon led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Lilburn (9-6) at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Indian Edge 13-2 (10-0) Prominent, weakened well over 1f out, 8th of 11, 11l behind Barathea Dreams (10-0) at Chepstow 1m ldy rds hcp (5) sft.
Govenor Eliott (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened approaching final 2f, last of 12, 17l behind Last Sovereign (9-11) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Out Of Nothing 15-2 (9-4) Behind, headway over 1f out, never reached leaders, 6th of 11, 11l behind Castano (8-13) at Salisbury 7f app hcp (5) sft.
My Michelle 7-1 (9-4) Pressed winner, ridden over 3f out, not much room well over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 6, 9l behind Rebellious Spirit (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Fair Shake (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) In touch far side, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 15, 15l behind Crocodile Bay (9-7) at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
The Gaikwar (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, went 2nd just over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 8l behind Royal Island (9-5) at Chepstow 1m sll (6) sft.
