TeddyT

Hasn't won for a while and has been dropping down the handicap since joining his current trainer. He was something of an eye-catcher on his last start at Wolverhampton when the very slow early pace was against him. He appeared to be given an easy time of it by Cieren Fallon, and it's interesting that he keeps the ride tonight. HEDONISTA has run three times at this track, winning once and finishing close up on the other two occasions. Looks like this could be a plot by his stable, who can definitely lay one out.

Art Riddler looks overpriced here. The selection and the prolific Minstrels Six in Trap 1 look some way ahead of the rest of the field. With the recent trial time over 500m here of a fast 29.56 indicating that Art Riddler may be back to his best after time off after being lame. He had been mixing it with the likes of St Leger winner Mongys Wild and, if he is back to his best, should come out on top in this field today.

Williams had the better of the head-to-heads between these two earlier in their careers, but things have been fairly level between them in the last few years. However, Hawkins looks to be showing the better form this week. Williams' first match was cancelled due to a withdrawal, and he made only one break over 50 in his win against Zhou Yuelong. In contrast, Hawkins has been scoring very heavily with nine breaks over 50 (including two centuries) in his two wins so far. Williams has been starting slowly in most of his matches this season, and a replication of that today could see Hawkins away and gone.

Difficult to know at this time of year regarding the fitness of these chasers, but as there is (for me) an opposable favorite, it may be worth taking a chance. The favorite in question is Almazhar Garde, who has won two races at Worcester that didn't look that strong, and he now finds himself on 123, a mark he hasn't attained in nearly two years. He looks opposable at the prices. YES DAY for the O'Neill's may be the answer, as he is one of only two horses in the race to have won on good to firm ground. He goes well fresh and is a stout stayer, which looks likely to be required as there are at least two horses in the field who like to push the pace from the front.