Possibly the most interesting of a trio of bumpers to conclude the card, with TROJAN REEF preferred to fellow debutant Golden Smog. The selection was a 55,000 guineas purchase as a yearling and is related to a number of winners on the flat and over jumps, including the smart Scott's View, who was a winner from 1m 2f to 1m 6f on the level. Gerard Butler rarely plays in this sphere and we should take his representative very seriously. Golden Smog, trained by the in-form Ian Williams, is more a jumping-bred type, and she is also related to winners under rules. Given the trip and conditions today you would be hard pressed to fancy her more than the selection and she may come into her own on softer ground on turf. Even so, she can probably show up well. Midnight Opera represents a shrewd yard and made a promising debut at Ffos Las in November. With Robert Thornton a good booking, we should check out the market for a clearer idea of stable confidence, though the yard could be in better nick than at present. Quiet Whisper has got a nice enough pedigree and hails from a yard that does well at this track. It would be no surprise to see him involved. Yemeni Princess is another worth a market check, but preference on pedigree alone here is for Trojan Reef.
Aviador (GER) Paolini gelding out of Albarana.
Jupiter Warning 4-1 (10-5) In rear, pushed along over 8f out, ridden 4f out, outpaced over 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 12l behind Open Day (10-12) at Lingfield 2m Juvenile Nat Hunt Flat (3yo) (AW) (6) std in Dec.
Midnight Opera 7-1 (10-12) In touch, left in lead 7f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on well, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Soldier Bay (10-12) at Ffos Las 1m 6f 3yo nhf (6) gd in Nov.
Padova 15-2 (10-9) Pulled hard in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 10, 10l behind Open Day (10-12) at Lingfield 2m Juvenile Nat Hunt Flat (3yo) (AW) (6) std in Dec.
Quiet Whisper (IRE) Quiet American gelding out of Relish.
Reverend Green (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Took keen hold towards rear, struggling 4f out, 12th of 15, 17l behind Tetlami (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 6f Listed (4yo) (1) sft.
Roi De Garde (FR) Kapgarde gelding out of Belle Du Roi.
Trojan Reef Selkirk gelding out of Milly Of The Vally.
Golden Smog (IRE) Anshan filly out of Dante's Blaze.
Yemeni Princess (IRE) Bahri filly out of Celtic Ballet.
