A really tough handicap where not too many can confidently be ruled out. The shortlist includes: Jair Ormsford, who improved through the winter on the all weather, Valliant Effort, who makes his debit for his new yard today after a long absence, and Sudden Flight, who is suited by some cut in the ground and has been running into form of late. However, slender preference is for Man The Gate, who returned to the turf with a cracking effort at Folkestone last month and appeals at the likely prices in this company. The Peter Cundill-trained gelding is a tough and consistent campaigner who is much better than his wins-to-runs ratio would have you believe. He acts well on the predicted going and can put his race fitness to good use this evening. Glory Quest and Sun Hill are others that also merit consideration but both arrive here with a little to prove after below par efforts last time and are passed over in favour of Man The Gate here.
