3rd May

430 Uttoxeter-River Purple should go close and is one of the few that arrives in form.I do have a little niggle about the faster ground and at 13/8,you can afford to swerve it.

Stormhoek has pulled up on its last 2 starts but has somehow been put in as 2nd favourite.Its got a decent rating on good,if you go back far enough but taking 2012 form,2 seasons later isnt ideal.

There are a couple who could be involved at their best and one of those,Noble Witness catches my eye.

The trainer is in decent form for a small stable and he won this race 2 seasons ago.I just wonder whether the return to a shorter trip,on decent ground may just see a revival.

The last time it encountered this trip and ground combination(April 2013) it finished a good 2nd and is now 14Ibs lower.

Its up to the individual but I couldnt recommend this horse each way,as its such an in and out performer.Its possible the trip and ground may make no difference and the horse has lost its way but its worth finding out at such a big price.

Back Noble Witness 4pts at 15.0 at Various Bookies-2nd(-4pts)Halved in price and ran a massive race from the front.leading everywhere but the final 100 yards.It was always going to place though wasnt it?