Belami Des Pictons 20/1 NRNB.
Already had a sizeable bet after Cepage was pulled from the race. Charlie's analysis on Venetia in this race pulled me in and I went through her potential runners and BDP stood out as the one for me.
If he doesn't run so be it, that's why I've taken the NRNB, but if he makes it to the race he will be close to being my best each way shot of the whole festival.
Excusing him for his run LTO, that was off the back of a 450+ day lay off.
His race record since being with Venetia reads 8 starts, 5 wins and a 2nd (this one against Waiting Patiently).
His 2 losses have come off the back of a long lay off. He's had his cobweb blower LTO where he weakened 3 out over 3m, so the drop in trip here should suit now and he'll be fitter for that seasonal debut.
He's rated 146 so falls bang in the middle of where you want to be to go close in a race like this.
He's still very lightly raced for his age. Unsure if this is a positive or negative for this race, something I haven't looked into but I'd say there is plenty more to come from him.