All the usual suspects will be represented once more, with Colin Tizzard, Dan Skelton, Philip Hobbs and Neil Mulholland amongst the handlers looking to plunder the mid-summer prize.
Padleyourowncanoe is light on experience but remains open to significant improvement, while For Good Measure came good on his penultimate outing in October and could easily continue his improvement after getting bogged down on unsuitably soft ground at Exeter last time out.
Bandsman was only narrowly denied when last sighted in January and could go close off a 2lbs higher mark, while the consistent Hepijeu will enjoy conditions, but returns to the fray off a career high mark.
Doing Fine ran out a good winner of a competitive handicap at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and a 4lb rise is far from harsh given how authoritative he was in victory. Minellacelebration, who bounced back to form at Doncaster in February, is 2-2 at Uttoxeter having landed this prize in both 2017 and 2018 - another bold bid seems likely.
Clearly cases can be made for many and the puzzle is even harder to solve given the lack of recent action. However, it may be worth taking a small each-way interest in Peter Niven's BRIAN BORANHA, who placed fourth in the corresponding contest 12 months ago from a 4lbs higher mark.
The stamina-laden nine-year-old failed to land a blow when fifth in the Edinburgh National Handicap Chase (4m176y) at Musselburgh in February. However, he would arguably have landed the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick in January had he not come down at the last.
Brian Hughes elected to go wide in search of better ground on that occasion, and the pair effortlessly made up their ground in the closing stages. It was clear for all to see that Brian Boranha was travelling by far the best approaching the final fence under a confident Hughes, therefore there is every reason to believe he can go close off a 3lbs lower mark.
All four of Brian Boranha's previous career victories have been achieved on ground with good in the description, and he has twice proven his ability to run well when fresh, winning after spells of 83 days and 260 days off the track.
Track, trip, ground and ratings (1lb below his last winning mark) are all in his favour, while champion jockey Brian Hughes will maintain their partnership, which is clearly a further positive.
Recommendation
- 1pt each-way Brian Boranha in 3.30 Uttoxeter at 12/1
Posted at 1625 BST on 05/07/20
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