Not many can be ruled out in a wide open handicap. So only a tentative nomination is given to Sir Northerndancer, who edges the call over King Nicholas, Downland and Fair Shake, who are hard to separate on last season's form. The last named ran a blinder on his only previous visit to the course and obviously likes to stride out on a galloping surface. However, he has yet to really convince over this trip and he could be vulnerable near the finish. Downland enjoyed a good spell at the start of the turf campaign last year before going on to a couple of victories on the all weather during the summer. He suffered with the handicapper as a result and, although respected, he looks vulnerable from his current mark. King Nicholas starts the campaign on much lower mark than his all weather rating and can be considered as a live outsider for a place on the best of his efforts. Still there has to be the suspicion that he is not so effective on the turf and looks a risky proposition overall. As does top weight Abbajabba, who seems to be on the downgrade these days and, as it is almost four years since he last won a race, he is for the brave only on these terms. Therefore, we take our chances with Sir Northerndancer, who has been dropped 3lb since his last run. Any cut in the ground will not be a worry for the son of Danehill Dancer, as he has won on good to soft in the past. He is also effective at seven furlongs and, from a handy draw down the centre of the track, Tom Eaves has a great chance of getting him into a good position to track the pace from the off.
