17:15

Whizz Kid was pitched in at the deep end on stable debut for Dr Newland, taking on Constitution Hill in the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown in January. Perhaps understandably he struggled to land a blow, finishing a tailed off fifth and the last of those that finished, however the experience was not lost on him as he has since won twice in lower grades in convincing fashion and given that he is still open to plenty of improvement it’s not a huge surprise to see him towards the head of the markets. That said, nine of the last twelve winners of this race arrived here on the back of a loss and 75% of the last twelve winners won at odds of 10/1 or above so I am happy to look a little further afield.

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Hacker Des Places has posted two wins and most recently a Grade 3 third from four runs under Angus Cheleda so obviously gets on well with the jockey, although has done all his winning in very testing conditions which he is unlikely to get here, while Faivoir has to give upwards of 10lbs to all rivals however boasts an excellent record over similar trips and should at least find this an easier assignment than the Graded races he has been running in recently.

 

None of the above can be dismissed however at much bigger prices I will be following Marine One who is a prior listed winner who runs well when fresh and has won three from four for his trainer, beating multiple subsequent winners in the process, and Due Reward who will appreciate the step back in trip and return to the smaller obstacles. This is his first run since wind surgery and he’s been partnered with Lilly Pinchin who has a 37% winning strike rate for the trainer in the last twelve months.

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