GYTO Monday Notebook Double

Sir Michael Stoute remains in great form so I’m going to take a chance on the untapped potential of AEONIAN at Lingfield on Monday. This colt by Ulysses defied odds of 25/1 to win on debut at Yarmouth on sole start as a 2yo. I remember him pricking his ears close home that day and he struck me as a horse with plenty of ability. He was put away after so clearly Stoute may have felt he needed more time to mature and develop. He shaped as though he’d be better for the run when third at Haydock last month and tackling handicap company now there should be a fair bit more to come. He should relish this step up to a mile and a quarter and it’s no surprise to see him figuring prominently in the betting. Big Meeting looks the danger having bolted up at Chelmsford on return. Whether the cheekpieces will have the same effect is another question though. More to come but might just be bumping into one.

Alpine Stroll has run some good races in defeat and should be winning a race soon but he spurned another decent opportunity at Wolverhampton last month and is opposable on the balance again. I like the chances of GEORGE BANCROFT for Charlie Longsdon. This good-looking sort was last seen over hurdles at Fontwell where he bumped into a progressive horse just lacking fluency over his obstacles. He won his last two starts on the Flat over a mile and a half and 6lb higher here stepping up to 1m6f now he looks to have plenty in favour. The fast ground is definitely to his liking and this looks a good bit of placing from the trainer. I can see Cherry Cola emerging as the main danger. She won this race last year and while she was nearer last than first over C&D 12 days ago she was only beaten a length and three quarters. She is back down to her last winning mark so has to be feared most in opposition.