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Off time: 17:03 | Winning time: 2m 27.30s

(5)

Western Duke^p⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: Ian Williams| OR: 84| D

2/1

Now 3lb below last winning mark but that came in September 2017. Good effort when third in a decent Newbury contest last start and repeat would see him involved, although rain would be a bonus.

Form: 9372-53

(2)

C Note¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Charles Bishop| T: H Main| OR: 83

10/3

Best effort of four runs this season came when third (didn't get a clear run) over this C&D two starts back. The other three have come in a higher grade and a return to this class is likely to see him back being competitive. Stable in good form.

Form: 448536

(4)

C'Est No Mour¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: P Hedger| OR: 79| CD

5/2

Won this two year ago off a 6lb lower mark and went close to winning here on reappearance. Two runs since have been to a similar standard and suited by the drop back to this trip from 1m6f. Contender but wouldn't want a tactical affair.

Form: 448-225

(3)

Tiar Na Nog⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D J Coakley| OR: 73| CD

4/1

Most of her best Flat form has come over this C&D, including both wins. Up 3lb for last month's success which was backed up by a good time. Up in class but has gone close in this grade previously. Likely to go well again.

Form: 126-481

(1)

El Borracho^h⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Levi Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: S Dow| OR: 72| C

14/1

Still 4lb higher than last winning mark and although racing to a consistent level, it's still a bit below his best. Others look better handicapped at present and this a stronger race.

Form: 6-90345

Forecasts

Western Duke (2/1), C'Est No Mour (5/2), C Note (10/3), Tiar Na Nog (4/1), El Borracho (14/1)

There's no obvious front runner and a tactical race wouldn't play to the strengths of the 2017 winner of this, C'Est No Mour. The ground may be on the lively side for Western Duke but he's on a good handicap mark. Tiar Na Nog won in a lower grade over this C&D but the fact that it was run in a good time, suggests the form should stack up at this higher level. C NOTE struggled in a higher class last time but was a bit unlucky over this C&D previously and he's tactically versatile with a good record in small fields.