With 150k guaranteed this is an extremely competitive affair. The two we like against the field are the Mark Johnston-trained Laa Rayb and the Luca Cumani-trained Military Cross.
In the Tote International Handicap at Ascot on Saturday over 7f Johnston’s Storm Cat gelding was most impressive. Poorly drawn he was niggled along in the rear until forcing his way through until 2f out when he flew home to win easily with ears pricked.
He will be very well suited by the return to 1m here. He has won 5 of his 15 starts which is pretty good but his Ascot performance off a mark of 104 marked him out as an improved performer.
He was a course winner at this meeting over 7f last year so there are no concerns about his ability to handle the track. Given a reasonable draw (nothing lower than 8 has won in the last 10 years) off a mark of 107 he must have an outstanding chance.
Cumani’s Military Cross is greatly respected. The trainer has targeted this meeting with considerable success (Cumani horses were 1st and 2nd in the 4.40 on Tuesday) and the Cape Cross 5-y-o gelding looks as if he has been campaigned with this race in mind.
Having his first race since November 2007 racing off a mark of 98 and carrying the steadier of 10st he held on well to beat Orchard Supreme 3/4l in a Salisbury handicap on June 25. That should have blown away any cobwebs and now racing off 101 he has to be fancied to go very well.
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