bledge

Backed at much bigger prices than this and is arguably way too short now. Comes in with a big reputation after his debut and already had a rep coming from his PTP when 2nd to Harry Lowes, whilst quite unlucky. Appears the Mullins first string who's won 5/12. Could be anything.

4/12 winning favs, 11/12 top 3 in betting. Henderson won 3/12. 10/12 won LTO. 11/12 rated 147+. 11/12 had won a graded race. 12/12 had 2 runs this season; 8/12 had 3. C and D winner who won his last two by a combined 30L, including a Grade 2. Clearly quite good. May be better as a chaser but a worthy fav. Also backed Mighty Park 33s.

8/12 winning favs. 11/12 aged 6/7. 10/12 in the first 3 in the market. Mullins won 6/12. 9/12 rated 135+. 10/12 had won a Grade 1 or 2. Lack of chasing experience would be a worry; however, the horse is clearly talented. Horses running here on their second seasonal runs actually have a 33% strike rate, so it's not as bad as it might seem. Has been steadily backed over the last few weeks. On at 8s. Lulamba 10s. Kargese 25s.

A race that often chucks one up at a price; however, I would expect this to be around in the finish. Has been messed around with all season to keep a decent mark. Ride of Mark Walsh, who's won 3/12. Connections won this in 2022 with a relative of this one. 9/12 rated 122??"134. Manlaga interesting but apparently wants soft. Munsif interesting if getting in; currently first reserve.

Doesn't really meet the trends and hasn't had things go his way really this season. However, he is undoubtedly talented. He had been mentioned as a Ryanair, National and possibly a Gold Cup horse in time, so they clearly think highly. Could still be well in at 15/2 and worth chancing. Presumably goes off shorter.

Won this last year by 11L of 127. Comes here now on 142, so has had quite the hike; however, has remained competitive. Unlucky 4th penultimate run when lucky not to go down. Didn't stay last time after travelling much the best. Worth taking a chance again on for connections who've won 3 of the last 4, including with Corach Rambler, who won twice before winning the National.

Argument that he's being underrated here. One of the few who meets the trends. Impressive last year when beating Vincenzo. Impressive again on seasonal debut when beating Leader In The Park by 4.5L relatively easily. Didn't look to give true running when beaten last time and has now come for the easier option of the Plate instead of the Ultima. Skelton's obvious plot job at the front of the market; however, they don't have a great record in this and is probably too short now. Clear each-way chances.

6/12 winning favs, 9/12 top 3 in the betting. 9/12 7yo. 12/12 had C run and 11/12 had ran over 3m. Mullins won 4/12 including the last two. 10/12 rated 152+. Had been evs/odds-on before flopping behind Kaid d'Authie, being talked about as the next big thing and future Gold Cup winner. Don't think Romeo is as good as people are making out. No experience over the trip and had a hard race at the DRF. Don't think Gordon has ever won this either. Wouldn't be the first Mullins horse to flop at the DRF then win here. I have my opinions that they've maybe learned from last year and they gave him an easier time last time to prep for this; however, I have no evidence to that regard. Price on the day will be a huge indicator of what they expect here, and if he goes off fav I'd reckon highly likely to win.

Getting short now after being available 16/1 a few days ago. Meets the trends. Mullins won this last year with a similar sort of unexposed type coming in off no runs that time. Arguably unlucky not to win at the National Meeting last year. Up for that but remains unexposed and had been a huge talking horse this time last year, going off favorite for the Martin Pipe. Only six, so likely still improving, and just comes in with the profile of one they know is decent and have campaigned with this in mind.

Course form here is very important and could hardly have been more impressive. Beat J'Arrive De L'Est by 8.5L, who is suspected to be well handicapped. Went up for that, but I doubt the weight is overly important in this race, as a few have said. Still has Stumptown in, keeping some more lbs off him as he isn't top weight. Has seen some money. Gordon talks highly of his chances and appeals a very fair price to my eye. I would suspect it'll be between the first two in the market.

Hard to argue with his dominance at the DRF. Main challenger is out now. His to lose. Favs have an awful record in this in recent years, but if he produces the same as last time, it's hard to see what beats him. Have backed Il Etait Temps too, both at nice prices, and would probably take a chance each-way on that one at current prices.

Another who's getting a bit short after being around 14s. However, meets the trends and Henry de Bromhead won this a few years ago. Obviously Be Aware looks potentially good and deserves his place in the market. However, I struggle to see what he could have in hand. This one has quite clearly not tried this season, and presumably this has been the plan the whole way. G1 winner back in April '23 when beating Strong Leader, then ran 2nd to Facile Vega and beat Farren Glory by 15L back in 2024. Also had been 2nd to Il Etait Temps in a G1 and 4th in the '23 Supreme. The back form is certainly there and if 'refinding it' ??" or, in my opinion, being allowed to refind it ??" he should go well.