GYTO Monday Notebook Double

This doesn’t look the strongest of contests so it might pay to stick with a horse in winning form in the shape of HOGANVILLE. I know he has eased slightly in the betting this morning but at around 4/1 at the time of writing he looks a cracking play. He looked rejuvenated by the switch in stables to win on debut for George Bewley at Hexham last month and a 6lb rise shouldn’t stop him going in again. He stayed on well the last day so this extra yardage is a plus if anything and he has a 7lb claimer on his back once more. I think he’ll be well positioned again and has more going for him than most in this. The Questioner has been backed but he spurned a good opportunity at Southwell albeit hampered late and will likely be overbet again here. Your Place might pose a greater threat as she will at least strip fitter now.

Gordonstoun is a short priced favourite for this following that win over C&D a fortnight ago but he isn’t the most straightforward and I certainly wouldn’t bank on him backing that performance up here. SISTERS IN THE SKY has a bit to prove himself but I think he is still worth chancing in opposition. I remember him winning at Goodwood as a two-year-old and while he hasn’t kicked on from there he has somewhat been highly tried this season struggling at Epsom but then shaping much better over C&D last time only beaten around four lengths.

He is now 10lb below his initial handicap mark so he has had help from the assessor and this represents a really good opportunity to finally get his head back in front. If he gets a good pace to run down he has to be in the mix. Of the rest Barneys Gift finished last in a seller at Hamilton last month but is better than what he showed there. This is weak so he might have a say but I’d question his resolution in a finish. Fire Eyes is up against it but might run better than her price suggests.