13:00 Stratford

Serjeant Painter has obviously been thriving of late and impressed again to do just enough at Southwell last month. He has been kept busy though and a further 5lb rise might ask a few more questions. I’m yet to be entirely convinced with him off the bridle and I think he’ll need to dig deep to win this so I’m going to put up CREMANT in opposition. This horse made all impressively over hurdles at Aintree last month and while he could only finish third back over fences here last time I think that was still a very good run in defeat. He remains open to further improvement in this sphere and I think this is a good opportunity for him. It’s not just a two-horse race though as Cardboard Gangster has to be respected as well having won at Perth. An 8lb rise does look a little harsh though so on that basis he was passed over.

14:45 Curragh

After just the 5 starts there could be a fair bit more to come from AMORTENTIA and this son of Caravaggio could be a good bet to get back in the winners enclosure at the Curragh on Sunday. He was by no means disgraced in the Britannia at Royal Ascot last month and he had looked promising winning at Naas before that. He might have finished eleventh last time but he was only beaten 5 lengths. First-time cheekpieces are applied now and I think he can get back on track here racing off the same mark. Supagirl kicked clear to win impressively at Navan last time and with the yard going really well she would have to be feared most. Giladah also arrives in winning form having made a successful handicap debut at Leopardstown. This looks deeper though so while she is respected I think she needs more here.