GYTO Wednesday Notebook Double

This is competitive but if PLAYFUL SAINT builds on that close second to Love Envoi at Sandown then he will be really tough to beat. That was a big step forward from his Chepstow run and the front pair came three and a half lengths clear from a well strung out field. He is 3lb higher but on what is just his fifth run over hurdles improvement is expected again. He carries a big weight here but under patient tactics I think he’ll be finishing best.

Milldam improved to finish second at Fakenham on return when well backed but again failed to justify market support when only third at Hexham last month. He still has potential so could be the danger with the tongue strap back on. Washington was pulled up at Newbury but we saw Olly Murphy work wonders with Grandads Cottage yesterday so he also has to be feared despite having a point to prove right now.

The hat-trick seeking AFTER JOHN looks well placed to bring up a C&D hat-trick for Iain Jardine at Newcastle on Wednesday. This son of Dutch Art has really turned a corner recently coming with a big run late on to force a dead-heat here last month and then backing that up when the money was down to win convincingly last time. A further 4lb rise demands more but this looks winnable and with a good early pace assured I think he’ll be finishing strongly in the closing stages.

One More Dream likes it here and has won twice over track and trip this season but he might be one of those up there early and if they get racing too soon like he did at Southwell last time then he could be vulnerable late. A greater danger might be fellow C&D winner Thaki who needs to bounce back but is with a new yard now so might show up a lot better here.