Leicester 4.50

 

A compact field betting wise but deeper analysis indicates that many of these, whose best efforts are on the AW or Good to Good to Firm, may not appreciate this tough 12 furlongs with a significant climb to the line from the bottom turn.

 

Pak Army is quite hard to assess but has been progressive on the Flat and over Hurdles but it doesn't represent sufficient win value for me to be fully confident. Foursome drops in trip and has a possible place chance, and at big odds I would not totally rule out Owens Lad who ran well over Course and Distance last time but any more rain would be a negative on Going that may already be too soft for it.

 

I'm very keen on a couple but will have a small shrapnel bet on BABY OF NAPLES who also ran well here last time, stayed on noticeably and is worth a small saver.

 

The one they all have to beat I think is Alan Kings MOUNT OLYMPUS, ridden by Rossa Ryan it certainly ticks the trip / stamina, Going boxes and the only niggle is the handicap mark but I am confident enough to have a full 1 point each way on this one. I am equally bullish at bigger odds about FEN TIGER, this one has a prominent running style and a good Course and Distance record in these conditions when they get the fractions right. I'll ignore the fact they didn't last time as an inexperienced jockey had difficulty in settling the horse but an outstanding young Claimer (Frederick Larsen) is back on board today and I'll be frankly disappointed if we don't see MOUNT OLYMPUS come with a wet sail to challenge FEN TIGER in the closing furlong.