SILVER TO SHINE
*%(, Carlisle – Joint top weight SILVER TASSLE hasn’t been seen since April, but if anywhere near his best should be good enough to take this for trainer Micky Hammond. He was certainly in good shape at Ayr last March when only having to be pushed clear to win by six lengths and a reproduction of that form should be good enough. Ballyben, who shares top weight with the selection, is a major threat despite being on a career-high mark after a win in a small field at Perth last time out. Sue Smith saddles two with I Just Know preferred to her other runner Palm Grey. +%,' Carlisle – DUBAI
ANGEL hasn’t been out of the first two in eight races under Rules and can land his third win over timber. He still looked a little green when scoring in a Class 2 event at Newcastle last time and won’t have to improve much on that win to land this. Crievehill has been set some difficult tasks over hurdles since scoring at Lingfield, including three runs in Group company. This is a big drop in class for the Nigel Twistor-Davies runner and he should go close in receipt of 2lb from the selection. *%), Uttoxeter – SECRET DOOR holds the key to this. An ultra-consistent performer who has never been out of the frame in seven runs over hurdles, the Harry Fry-trained six-year-old has a great chance here. Turned in a career-best effort at Market Rasen last time and has gone up only 3lb for that run. Big player here with Daryl Jacob booked. No Hassle Hoff has to give 9lb to Secret Door and that might just be beyond him although he could give the selection plenty to think about. Like Secret Door, Angeus ended last season in sparkling form and can make the frame. *%,, Uttoxeter
– Despite a lengthy absence, Paul Nicholls should have ROCK ON OSCAR fit enough to do himself justice on his first run since May 2016. He signed off with a decent third on his chasing bow and is sure to have undergone plenty of schooling ahead of this assignment. Court King was pulled up on his first attempt over fences, but won his other two over the bigger obstacles (both at Southwell) and is a big threat in receipt of 10lb from Rock On Oscar. Lightly-raced
Major Hindrance makes his chasing debut and could run well.