Gary could holda Royal flush

GARY MOORE rarely leaves Fontwell empty-handed, and he could collect again when Royal Battalion makes the 20-mile trip to the Sussex venue.

The seven-year-old is already a twice-winner at the track – once at an extended two-miles five-furlongs and, earlier, at just over two mles.

Today’s intermediate twomiles three-furlongs should be spot-on and, with quickish summer ground ideal, conditions point to a big run.

His two victories were earned off marks of 107 and 111, so there are no excuses under trainer’s son, Jamie, today. His rating having slipped to 106.

Miss Spent can be forgiven for being soundly beaten at Newton Abbot last time, when 17-lengths second, in a field of four.

Just three days earlier, the mare had been nine lengths too good for Hope’s Wishes, at Uttoxeter, and Dan Skelton opted to go again quickly.

That didn’t work, but now the daughter of Presenting has had a nice six-week break, ahead of today’s Class 4 handicap, over two-andthree-quarter miles.

There was enough promise in Amadoue’s third at Worcester 11 days ago, to suggest that a very uncompetitive novice hurdle can go his way.

Tom Lacey’s four-year-old was well backed, when lack of experience took him off a straight line late on against rivals from the Skelton and O’Neill yards.