Verdict

With doubt's about Ever Cheerful staying this trip and Armentieres no better than a plater, a chance is taken with the dropped-in-class Wings Of Morning to get off the mark. Neville Callaghan's colt caught the eye when a never nearer eighth, beaten around five-lengths at Lingfield recently, in what looked a fair maiden for this time of year. He is open to improvement and even though he has yet to prove himself on this surface, he is well worth taking a chance with, in what is a poor contest. Ever Cheerful is well exposed and still seeks that elusive first win after 11 attempts. However, he does have form on this surface and if lasting this trip (half-brother to six-furlong winner), he must go close on this drop in grade. Armentieres, the winner of a seller at Nottingham in October, is one of the few guaranteed to be suited by this trip, but whether he will be good enough, is another question. Ynys looks devoid of any ability, while Apollo Gee, who is from the same family as the high-class miler Ventiquattrofogli is open to some improvement at this trip, but he will need to. Champion All-Weather trainer Nick Littmoden is represented by Zak Free, and this Danetime gelding is certainly one to keep an eye on in the market, but Wings Of Morning is expected to take advantage of this easier task under the promising apprentice Rory Moore.