johnqclark

Here's another example of how British racing has great ideas and then spoils them. The veteran chases are very popular, down entirely to the old boys who race in them. However, there are now too many of them, which has led to smaller fields and less competitive races. That said, I think Torn And Frayed looks to have a great shout, given the form of his last two runs. He's only been upped four pounds since his Aintree win, and that might not be enough to stop him following up.

This will only be Fairy Glen's third run of the season, so she is far fresher than most of these. She ran really well at Bath in a similar race to this last time, and I can see no reason why she shouldn't go close. She has a good record on the All Weather, winning twice from three attempts.

This handicap is a class above the one he won here a fortnight ago, but if he's still in the form he was in that day he can follow up. He had dropped down the ratings prior to winning with a little bit in hand last time, and the jockey's claim negates the rise applied for winning that race. He doesn't have the ideal draw this time, however that's the only slight worry I have.

This is a very ordinary handicap with most of these out of form. Jim Goldie's horses have been running well this week, and the inconsistent Annandale might decide that he quite fancies the challenge this time. He has gone well here before, and does have enough ability if deigning to give his best. A small each way bet would be the extent of any interest.