PUNTERS CAN BANK ON JOHN
A hood is applied to CROWNED EAGLE (nb), who made a promising start for new connections at Wolverhampton. He races off the same mark and, if building on that effort, is sure to give a good account. Paddyplex has won both his Flat outings and, though upped in grade and trip, may have more to offer. He is up 4lb for his success here over two furlongs shorter but is bred to appreciate this distance. The ground was probably against Lawless Secret in France but she has strong claims on her previous start at Doncaster. She had no answer to Reshoun but finished nicely clear of the rest and that level of form gives her every chance in this company. HEAVEN’S GUEST (treble) has not won since 2015 but makes plenty of appeal if able to reproduce his last run. That was an excellent half-a-length second to Charles Molson over course and distance. He is able to race off the same mark and is well treated on his very best form. Twin Appeal is upped in class after his Wolverhampton success but remains on a mark 3lb lower than when scoring on turf. Blinkers replace a visor on Swift Approval, who is well treated on a pick of last year’s efforts. Certificate gave little encouragement on his debut for new connections but is well handicapped on his very best form and could easily spring a surprise. A competitive renewal but the in-form GRACIOUS JOHN (nap) is at the top of his game and Fran Berry has a 100% record on him – two from two. The latest was a narrow victory at Wolverhampton which was gained despite a tardy start where he reared when the stalls opened. He is value for more than the short head margin and can complete the hat-trick. Caspian Prince carries a Group Two penalty and Final Venture has an extra 3lb for his Listed success. Both will do well to overcome having to concede weight but do have a touch of class about them. A tight handicap but the drop to this grade should pay dividends for SHAMSHON. This is his first time at this level and he ran Gracious John (runs 5.10) to less than two lengths at Lingfield last month. A repeat of that should be good enough here. Fast Track has slipped to a mark 2lb lower than when last successful and has a good record when competing at this level. He looks the main threat from a yard in cracking form.