IN SUMMARY: JER’S GIRL is very much the class act in this contest, shaping as if the step up to this trip is going to see her in a better light. A dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles already, this Listed contest should prove well within her compass. La Bague Au Roi should get the run of the race on the front end which makes her the most dangerous rival, especially as she is a perfect 3/3 at this level. Midnight Tour is officially the highest rated, but she can be a touch keen which is an issue stepping up in trip.
1 LA BAGUE AU ROI – 3/3 at Listed level in her career, she had to dig deep to make a winning return over shorter. Half sister to a three mile winner so this step up in trip can suit while she should get a soft time of things on the front end. Capable of better still, holds a solid chance.
2 MIDNIGHT TOUR – Officially the highest rated in the contest, she was a winner over two and a half at Cheltenham in April. Strong run in a handicap on her return to fully justify her rating but can take a tug so a small field stepped up in trip may not prove ideal.
3 RONS DREAM – Sent off favourite when runner-up in a weaker renewal of this contest last season. Strong stayer, especially effective when the mud is flying. Looks likely to find a couple with too much toe for her under the prevailing conditions.
4 JER’S GIRL – Dual Grade 1 winner is the class act in this contest, a close runner-up to Apples Jade when last seen. She shaped there as if the step up to this trip may unlock further improvement which makes her very much the one to beat on form.
5 MORELLO ROYALE – Solid campaigner at her level, she has not won since landing this contest in 2015. She has hit that level just a single time since, this looking a far deeper renewal than the one she won so easily enough opposed.
6 TREACKLE TART – Steadily progressive, she stayed on in the manner of a mare looking for a step up to this trip last time. She was no match for La Bague Au Roi when they met in April so she has work to do if she is to reverse those placings.