Leg #1 - 14:30, Pontefract: Asset to Win @ 1/51.20
I would be disappointed if Asset wasn't able to finally get off the mark on her fifth career start. The Wootton Bassett filly has shown distinct promise in those runs, including a solid second at Windsor last time. A bold front runner, she has been found a gilt-edged opportunity to win against a pair of beatable opponents. She is likely to prove extremely hard to catch, with her front-running style well suited to this venue.
Leg #2 - 15:12, Uttoxeter: Bright Legend to Finish Top 2 10/111.91
Bright Legend is an infrequent hurdle winner but has shown enough ability to be involved here. He built on a string of solid hurdle efforts when making all at Sedgefield in April. A subsequent downfield run at Punchestown can be forgiven now that he is eased in class against some unproven runners. I'm hoping that the Zoustar gelding can go off hard from the front, and if doing so, can be hard to peg back.
Leg #3 - 15:42, Uttoxeter: Grand Clermont to Finish Top 3 @ 8/111.73
Despite entering the veteran stage of his career, Grand Clermont arrives with the potential of further chase improvement after winning two of his previous four handicap chases. The David Pipe-trained runner is up to a career-high mark but scored decisively at Perth last time, suggesting that he is in peak form. As a course and distance winner I have him among the leading contenders, and if he maintains his current chase form he ought to prove hard to knock out of the placings.
Leg #4 - 16:00, Pontefract: Holloway Boy to Finish Top 2 @ 2/91.22
The consistent Holloway Boy concludes the accumulator, with him up to the task of finishing in the first two placings. He has a clear class edge over his rivals, being at least 6lb in hand on official ratings, and he races under ideal conditions. A Group Three winner, this Listed prize is a step below what he is capable of achieving, and he arrives here after an excellent second in the Group 2 Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot. A repeat performance would see him land this with minimum fuss.
Back Andy Robson's 4-leg 'Win and To Place' Acca