PUNTERS CAN BANK ON ATTAIN
12.00 The drop back in trip and the sitting of a hood could be the answer for GENETICS. His only success came at Newbury last year when he took the scalp of Raheen House, who has since gone on to Listed victory and is now rated 110, so the selection’s mark of 80 looks attractive. There was an improved effort from Maratha last time at Chelmsford and if he builds on that then he could make his presence felt. So should Easy Tiger though he has done most of his racing at a furlong shorter. 1.00 VOLPONE JELOIS (treble) has been placed on both his Flat starts since joining Paul Nicholls and has strong claims to get off the mark. He races off the same rating as he did when second to Mark Hopkins in a better contest at Salisbury in May and returns to the Flat fit from hurdling. Blinkers have been fitted to Kohinoor Diamond which is no surprise as she has not looked straightforward. She is 10lb higher than when recording her only victory but is unexposed and may be capable of better, particularly if the headgear works. 2.00 A competitive handicap and there is likely to be plenty of support for last month’s Wolverhampton winner, Makaarim. He has been raised 4lb but does look the type that has more to offer and is the main threat to MAKE MUSIC (nb). She has raced here five times and boasts form figures of 17114 but does return from a 221-day absence which is a slight concern. Today’s rider has only ever ridden one winner but he is with a yard that has a good reputation bringing along their apprentices. 2.30 BETSALOTTIE is versatile regarding distance and his close second to the in-form Raashdy last month reads well. Music Major will be popular after getting up close home to beat Pink Ribbon a neck. He is two from two over track and trip and the best option for a reversed forecast. 3.00 ATTAIN (nap) has been campaigned over a variety of trips of late but today’s distance is probably his optimum. Five of his six career wins have been gained at this venue and he has now slipped to a mark 6lb lower than when last successful. Ingleby Spring made his all-weather debut at Southwell and ran a cracker behind a well-treated rival. This slightly-faster surface should suit him better. Pink Ribbon escapes a penalty for his Wolverhampton success and has obvious claims on that run. There should not be a lot between him and the selection on their running here last month.