Really not convinced with last years novices. Also with rain forecasted, expecting the ground to be fairly testing after Friday's racing
So, looking for a horse that has 2 and half / 3 miles under their belt, and doing this over soft/heavy ground
I like how Venetia Williams managed to get Aso and Cepage back and running big races, and you have to question why both were re-routed away from this race. Aso was going well last time out, but 3 miles over soft appeared to catch him out. Cepage was really well over the weekend, only to be beaten by a better horse on the day, and looked to be outpaced. Not saying either of them would have won, but they would have had a decent chance
So William's is left with Belami Des Pictons, who only has this entry. Why take out two decent prospects if she didnt think this had a chance. Why leave the horse in at this stage, if he wasnt ready and recovered from his last run, where he was hammered in by the market
I've decided to add Belami Des Pictons - boosted 28/1 2.5pts - despite this selection not really hitting any of the trends for this race. I know... I know.... I spend hours upon hours narrowing down based on trends and stats, and end up adding a total odd balls!!!
But with me feeling Count Meribel being a few lbs below what is needed to win this, and with Magic Saint having two entires and the yard not really saying much to increase my confidence, I need to back a an odd ball which is this....
Starting to get very invested in this race, not good! Just hope at least two of them turn up on the day!