GYTO Monday Notebook Double

I’m heading over Jumps for both my Notebooks on Monday and VALENTINO catches the eye at Newton Abbot. This horse might be a 7yo but he is lightly raced and showed improved form again to get his head back in front over C&D in May. He has won three of his last four starts now and that form beating Kendelu last season has worked out notably well since. He is up 4lb but has more to come now and looks the most likely winner in here to me. Umbrigado was pulled up when last seen at Aintree but would have a good chance if the rain arrives. Sammylou clocked a career best to win at Uttoxeter but failed to back that up at Stratford. This isn’t an overly strong race though so he still has claims here but obviously needs to bounce back. The rest look pretty exposed and are surely up against it.

With Caius Marcius now out this looks a great opportunity for THE WOUNDED KNEE to follow up. I thought he showed plenty of promise when third on debut and that looks pretty good form. We know he improved as he reversed that form with Simple Star. He goes up to 3 miles for the first time now and is bred to relish it so now handicapping off a mark of 108 has plenty going for him. Glen Ava looks the most obvious danger as she landed a hat-trick over this C&D over the summer and ran well when second to Caius Marcius last time. She is up another 2lb but looks sure to run her race again. Lake Shore Drive is on a hat-trick but this is tougher and he is up 8lb so might struggle especially against the selection who is obviously unexposed. Both For Jim and Gift Of Kings both need to find plenty more.