Verdict

An awful race even by selling standards and this one could be a good opportunity for Flambe to land the spoils from Lucayan Monarch, Red Delirium and Headland. The selection is well in by comparison to some of his opponents, specialises at this trip and has previously won over course and distance off a 9lb higher mark than this. Brought back here in November after a four month absence, he performed creditably enough and with another month to get him straightened out, he looks worth chancing here. Top weight Headland is another who loves the track and was a winner here last time. However, that was over six furlongs and this extra quarter of a mile may well be too far. Best of the opposition at these weights looks to be Lucayan Monarch. Paul Blockley's gelding has been running moderately here on his last four outings and is now as low as 55, having been rated 70 in June. On that basis, a showing of anything remotely like his ability should be good enough for him to make the frame. Of the remainder, Red Delirium looks interesting back at this trip, over which he has won here before. Upped from a couple of starts at 7f to a mile and a half last time, he did not do badly at Wolverhampton, but back here he can go much better. However, he hasn't been blessed with a good draw and so we will stick with Flambe.