Both horses put up on Wednesday were dreadful.
Charles Ritz was staying on at the finish, not strongly, but was plugging away. He was off the bridle early and never looked like challenging.
Mexican Stan made the trip up to Sedgefield for nothing. He was ponderous at his hurdles, and also came under pressure a long way from home. It looks like he'll struggle to win races, as he didn't make any inroads in a poor race.
Malfoy Manor 4/1 (1pt) – Huntingdon 1.25
Nearly two months ago, I put up Malfoy Manor at Warwick as a tip. He was running over three miles, and didn't see the trip out, after running from the front.
Normally, I like it when Harry Skelton rides from the front, but his horse lacked the stamina that day. He jumped well and was just tired, so the drop back to 2m 4f has to be the correct call.
Apart from a couple who have been in the places, this is another race which lacks quality. Therefore, I am happy enough to give another chance to Malfoy Manor, who showed he was better than the finishing position at Warwick last time out.
Also, he has been running in Class 4 races, so the drop to a Class 5 should help him a lot, even though he is carrying the top weight of twelve stone.
Cuban Court 6/1 (1pt) – Doncaster 3.35
I am more than happy to ignore the latest run of Cuban Court, who simply despised Taunton and the tight nature of that track. A return to Doncaster should see him much happier, as this track suits him very well and where he has done some of his best performances.
It's a tough race to call, but I think with Cuban Court being such an unexposed chaser with one win from two attempts, he has to be worth a try. He was extremely game to fend off Spadestep at this track on his penultimate run. That form ties in well with Gentleman Bill, who was behind Spadestep on his chasing debut.
Empty Nest will likely run well after his good second last time out, but he is very exposed with plenty of races under his belt. The only other horse I am concerned about is Another Fine Mess, but Lorcan Williams has decided not to make the trip up to Doncaster, so surely he can't be that well handicapped on his chasing debut.
Cuban Court has run at Doncaster on a number of occasions, which has resulted in him getting two wins and four places. This place brings the best out of him, so there's nothing to suggest another big run isn't on the cards from a 2lb higher mark from his latest win.
GambleAware