Punting on bumpers at this time of year is fraught with danger but ALL CURRENCIES should take all the beating if building again on a much-improved third at Ascot - he won on heavy going between the flags last year. Battle Of Ideas will need to settle better than he did at Warwick to get home but he’s a likely improver, as is Le Drapeau who made late headway at Exeter. Smiley is preferred to fellow newcomer Jimmy Bell on breeding but is likely to do better when going jumping.
Jimmy Bell Tiger Hill gelding out of Armada Grove.
Le Drapeau (FR) 16-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, plugged on final 2f, never involved, 6th of 11, 24 1/4l behind Mr Clarkson (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn (6) sft in Jan.
All Currencies (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Held up in last pair, smooth headway tracking leaders 5f out, 2nd 3f out, ridden over 1f out, lost 2nd approaching final furlong, kept on same pace in 3rd, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Sweetlittlemystery (11-6) at Ascot 2m (4) sft in Feb.
Battle Of Ideas (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, took keen hold, pushed along 7f out, stayed on final 2f, no impression on leaders, 4th of 14, 10l behind Point Of Principle (10-7) at Warwick 2m (6) sft in Jan.
Smiley (FR) Blue Bresil gelding out of Loving Smile.
