Claudio Monteverdi can pass Derby Trial test

In the Investec City and Suburban handicap (15:40), Clayton can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to make it third time lucky in the 1m 2f contest.

The gelding finished runner-up in the race in 2013 and 2014 when trained by Kevin Ryan, and was beaten just over a length in the latter off a mark of 102.

Clayton then missed the whole of the 2015 flat season, but has shown that he retains plenty of ability in winning over hurdles at Plumpton back in February for new handler Gary Moore.

This seven-year-old also ran very well to finish second in a handicap hurdle at Warwick earlier in April, and now reverts to the level off a mark of 100.

That is 2lb lower than when runner-up in the race in 2014, and gives Clayton every chance from a handicapping perspective.

The booking of Ryan Moore to do the steering also catches the eye, and another plus is that Clayton will have no problem with the soft underfoot conditions.

Selections

14.00: Normal Equilibrium
14.30: Claudio Monteverdi (NAP)
15.05: Agent Gibbs
15.40: Clayton (NB)
16.15: Silca Star
16.50: Marshal Dan Troop

Related

You’ll find more horse racing tips over on our dedicated section.