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17:30 Nottingham
A E Housman showed a willing attitude to get back up for victory having been headed inside the final furlong at Lingfield last month and as such warrants respect, for all that came on the all-weather and over a shorter trip than he tackles here.
Ascending was only a neck away from victory on first run over this trip last time out and should be able to build on that effort so is also considered, however for our selection we turn to Dal Mallart who may at first glance look a surprising pick given she has has failed to beat a rival home the last twice, however one of these races came in a Class 2 over a trip too far and the other came on the all-weather and again over a trip that seems to stretch her stamina. Today she returns to turf, drops back to her optimum trip of ten furlongs, and is reunited with Andrea Atzeni who was in the saddle for her last victory, a convincing win in a higher grade at Sandown in July, so on balance looks to hold an excellent chance.
DAL MALLART (WIN)
19:00 Kempton
Diocles Of Rome won this race last season, one of three prior course and distance victories, and is just 1lbs higher as he attempts to retain his crown. The concern for me would be this is his first outing in over three-hundred days and as such may be in need of the run.
Out From Under is also proven over track and trip and is an interesting runner with William Buick taking over in the saddle, however preference is for Lir Speciale who looked ready for a step up in trip when third over six furlongs at Newcastle last time out. He has raced twice at the course and made the frame in both so won’t have issue with the surface and should be able to give his in-form trainer a victory here.
LIR SPECIALE (WIN) written by Dean Kilbryde