JiggsCasey

Tranquil Sea landed gambles when last seen, and it was over this distance. Won going away after cruising to the lead. Trainer explained that the return to this distance and this drier ground, as well as cheekpieces, seemed to do the trick. So if all that left them ahead of the handicapper, it seems they have a good chance of doubling up even with an 8-pound penalty. Ginger McCain is in decent form in both codes, and Serious Chat looked good at this distance last time and is consistent. Should be in at the finish.

Defence Minister showed up well in this company and over this distance a few times last year and placed in big fields but didn't win a race. Between seasons he has been gelded and won on reappearance. It is fair to say that was on Polytrack (Kempton) and down in class, but it was an upturn after a break and after an operation, so that may well have made a difference. The run will have readied him for this. The jockey rides well at Ascot.

Waterford Castle is winless and, after a couple of disappointing runs last season, took time off. During the break he was gelded and changed to this yard. He has had three runs, all runner-up so far, which is an improvement. The most recent was a turf run (NMKT). Now the cheekpieces are tried for the first time and in a small field. It looks like the determination to eke out a victory is good today.

Eastern Storm hasn't run under Rules since 2024. In that season he had two hurdles and did nothing. He had wind surgery in 2025, then had a successful campaign in points until last month with 4 wins in 4 runs, including the Hexham PTP track. He has won on a variety of goings and distances and three times for this amateur.

Gardener has learned the job well over fences. Of his six runs, he has won two, which were when he tried Hexham twice. Goes well for Charlie Maggs (placed twice and won twice on him).