GYTO Thursday Notebook Double

With the front pair some 16 lengths clear from the third I thought there was lots to like about the way DE BARLEY BASKET (best price 9/4) routed them on return at Worcester. He is a horse with a fair bit of ability and he made the handicapper look a bit silly on that occasion. He is up 6lb here but with more to come looks worth keeping on side as he bids to follow up under Kielan Woods. He will go forward again and if he gets into a similar rhythm I think the outcome will be the same. Story Of Friends won at Newton Abbot last time and skipped an engagement at that venue yesterday to come here but this won’t be easy carrying a penalty. Franz Klammer was in great form at Stratford last season but was held off a similar mark to this on final start and will likely need this on his first start for 271 days. The rest all look to have enough to prove at present.

I was with UNDER FOX (best price 10/3) at Thirsk last time and I thought he ran a cracker going down less than a length having dwelt at the start and being given enough to do. The winner Carnival Zain had it all go his own way making all the running and he has since gone very close at Pontefract off a 4lb higher mark. The selection is just 2lb higher here and should strip fitter too seeing as that was his first start for 208 days. His form last season was very solid and if he builds on that reappearance run he should have a great chance to go one better. Coase clocked a career best at Newmarket last time prevailing by a short head at the line. He is feared most but up to a mark of 83 has proved beyond him in the past. Mr Trick won at Haydock and then was a good second at Yarmouth so also has to enter calculations in first-time cheekpieces now.