There is plenty of recent form to work with in this and it may be a bit more competitive than the forecast betting suggests. Bold Viking was ahead of Earth Hour, Mangrove and Paper Town in the race won by Sir Frenchie over 7f here two weeks ago but was previously behind AMERICAN LANDING and Earth Hour over course and distance when Mangrove came out on top. The weights appear to favour Alan Greef’s gelding today but there isn’t a great deal between the old rivals. Ben-Hur is not really firing but Desert Chief is not out of this if he can find a little improvement.
American Landing (SAF) 3-4fav (9-6) 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Seeking Wisdom (8-7) at Fairview 1m 2f stks gd in Feb.
Mangrove (SAF) 13-2 (9-5) 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Sir Frenchie (9-11) at Fairview 7f stks gd in Mar.
Earth Hour (SAF) 9-1 (9-5) 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Sir Frenchie (9-11) at Fairview 7f stks gd in Mar.
Bold Viking (SAF) 16-1 (9-5) 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Sir Frenchie (9-11) at Fairview 7f stks gd in Mar.
Paper Town (SAF) 16-1 (8-13) last of 9, 12 1/2l behind Sir Frenchie (9-11) at Fairview 7f stks gd in Mar.
Ben-hur (SAF) 8-1 (9-10) 7th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Seville (9-3) at Fairview 7f hcp gs in Feb.
Desert Chief (SAF) 2-1fav (8-5) 3rd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Lets Play Ball (9-4) at Fairview 1m hcp pol in Feb.