This is not as daunting as the numbers would suggest and Hirvine, Emphatic and Willie John Daly are all very much respected in this company - especially the last named as he showed a very good attitude when winning on unfavourable terms last time. However, he has a little to prove regarding the trip today and it may pay to keep faith with Quick as he bids to land the five-timer here. The selection is not the most straightforward of rides but does get better the further he goes - a statement which contrasts the profile presented by at least a handful of the remainder. A 7lb higher mark for Quick looks fair in the context of this race and, with no doubts about his stamina, he is fancied to ensure that Martin Pipe continues in the to expand on his ever increasing seasonal haul in races of this type.
