ARQ007

At evens I'll take a shot at Overs here, given Etcheverry (ranked 51) has played seven matches on the dirt so far in 2026 and only two have gone under this number. One of those was by just 0.5 of a game and the other was a loss to F. Cerundolo. The 26-year-old Argentine is also just 7??"4 on clay in the past 12 months versus opponents ranked between 50 and 100, and only three of the last 10 such matches he's played have gone under. Kopriva (ranked 87) is no slouch on clay. The 28-year-old Czech is 5??"1 on clay in ’26 and 10??"5 on clay in the past 12 months versus top-100 opposition.

I'll take a chance with the dog here given Etcheverry (ranked 51) has played seven matches on clay so far in 2026 and has failed to beat this spread in five of those matches (one was a loss to F. Cerúndolo). The 26-year-old Argentine is also just 7??"4 on clay in the past 12 months vs. opponents ranked between 50 and 100, and Kopriva (ranked 87) is no slouch on the dirt. The 28-year-old Czech is 5??"1 on clay in '26 and is 10??"5 on clay in the past 12 months vs. top-100 opposition.

Tommy Paul (ranked 24) likes it here at Delray Beach. The 28-year-old American has made the semi and final here in years past. He dispatched the man who beat him in the 2024 final, Taylor Fritz (world No. 8), in straight sets in the last round. Tien (ranked 23) has rather struggled in his first two games here in Florida, with two deciding-set matches, which will surely take a toll on his fitness in these conditions.

With four places on offer here I'll take a punt on Noel King's 9yo, who is a game and consistent sort. He improved for the step up in trip LTO, though was distinctly helped by a late faller to land a handicap by 24 lengths off a 4 lb lower mark here. He has stamina to prove perhaps, but this looks a fair price.

I really like Lucy Wadham's 7-year-old Jack Hobbs gelding, who made a successful handicap debut over 2m at Sandown last time out after a wind op. He won very nicely over 2m 2f here back in November and should be ideally suited by a fast 2m 4f at this course. The tongue-tie goes back on, and the prospect of good-to-soft ground will also suit him.

It wasn't a great debut under Rules for Olly Murphy's 6yo Jukebox Jury gelding, especially as he was so impressive in winning his only PtP start, but he's not looked back since. He's won a novice heat at Wincanton before defying a penalty at Market Rasen. Whilst not obviously well treated from an opening mark of 123, he's improving at a rate of knots and the yard are in decent form at present.

Ruth Carr's 8-year-old Kodi Bear gelding has been in good form since December (1-2-2-1-5). The latest fifth place was despite not enjoying the best of runs here last time out. The stable is in form. He's still on a competitive mark, and his 5-pound claimer is a very capable pilot.

Clearly facile odds here but I need a winning nap! Willie Mullins' 8-year-old son of Diamond Boy has not been seen since last year's Punchestown Festival, but his record when fresh is reassuring. The five-time Grade 1 winner is well suited by this trip and, while he would prefer the ground to be less testing, should handle the conditions, so he is taken to outclass his rivals.