The Villager can take this at the expense of Better Days and Liberthine. Michael Scudamore's charge has been disappointing this term but he runs this track a good 10lb better than anywhere else and he is selected in the hope that the Mersey air can reawaken his enthusiasm for the game. Better Days pedigree suggests that he should handle the surface although his earlier experiences have been none-too-positive. He is though running at a reasonable level at the moment and should not be discounted. Liberthine is unquestionably the best horse in the race but the fact his stable are in such appalling form is enough to put even the most vociferous of Nicky Henderson supporters off. Ebony Light is scheduled to run at Uttoxeter while Luczcadou will find this a tough assignment. El Bandito appears to handle any surface and his stable are in good nick at the moment. The Villager looks a decent price to strike here.
