Smarty Socks has major chance after significant defectors

The late defection of course specialist Navajo Chief and recent winner Shamdarley has opened the way for the veteran Smarty Socks to chalk up another victory.

David O’Meara’s popular nine-year-old beat Nameitwhatyoulike here last month and came within a whisker of following up when just beaten by The Rectifier. He will be brought with his customary late challenge and will be hard to beat.

Godolphin are starting to fire in the winners and Les Troyens could be an interesting one here. He did not get the clearest of runs in a hot race at Haydock last time and must have each-way claims.

Micky Hammond’s Dark Castle is on a hat-trick but this is a step up in class whilst Garde Cotiere is not the most consistent of animals.

Sirius Prospect takes a drop in class after contesting the top sprints but may not be quite so effective over this trip. Violet Jordan’s Al Khan has been running consistently and was not disgraced when sixth to Noverre To Go.

Verse Of Love gets a change of scenery after running five of his last six races at Chester. He scraped home under a big weight last time and has more to do this afternoon.

Selection: Smarty Socks
Danger: Les Troyens