PLACESPOTTER (Ian) GOLD CUP 4.25 - the obvious one is Stradivarious but I can't take odds on or close to Evens in any race and the value over the extreme trip of 2 1/2 miles and in soft Going may be at the bottom of the market. Whilst CYPRESS CREEK is 100/1 in places it looks like it needs this trip, has form with soft in description and was in a slowly run and tactical Champions Day Long Distance race last October just 3 lengths behind Stradivarius being unable to quicken in a late sprint to the line. The difference of 3 lengths with the selection looking likely to benefit from trip between an odds of favourite and a 100/1 shot seems a punt worth taking.

There is a similar form line to suggest that RAYMOND TUSK at about 40/1 is well handicapped with Dee Ex Bee at 6/1 - the pedigree of RAYMOND TUSK includes some 3 mile winning hurdle form and the horse has won over 2 miles and on Good to Soft and stayed on well that day. On the Sagaro form he has 3 1/2 lengths to find with Dee Ex Bee but is 5lbs better off - again I'm happy to speculate to try to accumulate some e/w money at least. I'm not convinced DEE EX BEE will like the going otherwise 6/1 looks solid e/w value.

PLACESPOTTER (Ian) BRITANNIA 5.00 - A field of 30 x 3 year olds over the straight mile and indications are that middle to high could be the best place to be drawn. There are likely to be a number in here who have plenty of scope to improve on known form, either upped in trip or on different Going and it is a minefield. I've narrowed down to 5 though and just leave out DAVYDENKO on Going concerns and HERO HERO who although proven on soft may not on form and pedigree quite get the trip. Both are huge dangers if you want a small side wager.

The 3 against the field are AWEEDRAM who has Course and Distance winning form in soft Going, could be an improving horse and gets the capable assistance of Andrea Atzeni and could have a plum draw in stall 20. POGO for Charles Hills (already a winner this week) gets a nice berth in stall 26 is back in a Handicap and should be perfectly suited by trip and Going and finally TURGENEV who has been highly tried at 10 furlongs this season, very impressive winner at Newmarket as a 2 year old and from this Yard (Gosden) significant i think they drop in trip and grade with its soft ground form and the smooth travelling style it has and that 10 furlong experience (looks a 9 furlong horse) should be ideal for a fast run mile drawn in stall 22.