Verdict

Mahmood Al Zarooni has a very strong hand here with both MARINER'S CROSS and Not A Given certain to be fancied on their return after a break. The former is handed the vote as he was disqualified after passing the post first on his introduction at Newmarket last spring and then ran the useful Noble Mission close in a Listed contest there in May. Not A Given won three times on Dirt in the USA so whether he handles this surface may decide the outcome as he looks well enough handicapped while the stable's third entry, Modern History, is the type to win races here this season. Nordic Truce also won in the USA before transferring to Germany where he's competed at a high level while Belgian Bill will have come on for last week's blow out behind Lily's Angel. Spirit Of Battle ran a cracking race in that latter event but is poorly drawn while Capital Attraction is consistent at this level and deserved last week's success at Jebel Ali. Jardim needed his opening run here last year before running well in better company but Banna Boirche has been racing over further at Dundalk and though having no problems with this trip he may be a few pounds high in the weights.