We stepped Shaffire up to a mile when she joined us last year and she was unlucky not to win last time. A strong finisher, if she can get a decent start from the inside draw, she will be hard to beat on these terms.
This is a hugely-competitive race with six runners who all probably have a good reason to run. This in quality terms is a big step for Two For Gold, a very likable horse who on paper ought to finish fourth. We think he will go far closer than that and give him a great chance…
Emitom was ring-rusty last time out having come back from a minor setback. He has been doing plenty of schooling to get him sharp and shouldn’t be far away.
Thegallantway is very consistent and in great form at home. He may well prefer conditions to be a bit better than this but he is still a good each-way bet.
Estrela Star has been very progressive the last couple of runs. We're sending him out quickly again with a double penalty before he gets re-handicapped. As long as he can take three quick runs he ought to be very hard to beat.
I was surprised when Emraan won so impressively first time but it may not have been the greatest of races. He's improved since and he definitely should have benefited from the experience. It will be interesting to see if he can take the step up in class. I'm hopeful he can.
We're going for the hat-trick with Lucky's Dream. It'll be tough as he's up another 5lb. It'll be a tricky, tactical race but PJ knows him well and hopefully that strong finish can kick in again in the closing stages.
Estrela Star had improved for trying staying trips He was unlucky in running a couple of times but finally put it all together at Kempton a week ago. He can defy the penalty on his way to bigger things.
We like Rouge Vif very much. He was a smart novice hurdler and looks as though he'll be an even better chaser. His second at Kempton over Christmas reads well and he can go one better today.
The trip will be on the short side for Poetic Rhythm and the ground will probably be disgusting. Again hoping for a solid run without too much optimism.
King of Realms seemed not to stay three miles in the soft at Kempton last time. We've dropped him in trip and that should put him right in the picture. He's a very genuine chaser.
Reynardeau has put together a consistent run of form in his last three races. This is a trappy little race where you could be third or fourth and run well. He deserves to take his chance and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were to win.
08/02/20 2nd 11/2 Original quote: "Brief Ambition came from a long way back to be a never-nearer fourth at Cheltenham and I'm sure Paddy will have him much handier today. He's a talented horse with lots of ability but maybe a bit cute. He might surprise one or two of the more-fancied runners."
08/02/20 2nd 11/2 Original quote: "Brief Ambition came from a long way back to be a never-nearer fourth at Cheltenham and I'm sure Paddy will have him much handier today. He's a talented horse with lots of ability but maybe a bit cute. He might surprise one or two of the more-fancied runners."