LONG WALK TO BE SERVED ON THE ROKS

14:25 Ascot

One of the major trials for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham sees some of the top contenders line up in this 3m contest.

At the head of the market we see the former Stayers Hurdle winner Paisley Park renew his rivalry with Thyme Hill after the pair clashed at Newbury last month. The duo weren’t split by much and claimed first and second that day. Paisley Park should improve for his reappearance effort and I expect him to finish closer to his younger counterpart this time around but it’d be foolish not to expect Thyme Hill to produce a repeat effort.

All the above being said however I’m siding with a horse who looks a bit of value in the form of the Dan Skelton trained mare ROKSANA. She put in a demolishing performance to produce an 8 and a half length success at Wetherby on seasonal reappearance and receives a valuable weight allowance today. She handles the soft ground and at around 6/1 she looks a solid each way bet.

ROKSANA (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock