14:50 Stratford

Alan King only tried TWO PAST EIGHT a few times on the Flat and despite him being a maiden he improved to win at the first time of asking over hurdles at Aintree last month. I loved the way he travelled through that race and despite an untidy jump at the last he was always doing enough to prevail. There is room for improvement in his jumping and I think he is well placed here to make it a perfect 2-2 in this sphere. Swiss Money won a couple of times on the Flat over in France and now with Milton Harris is very interesting so could easily be the danger. He should do better for the experience though. Of the rest Gifted Angel was also a maiden on the Flat but might take to hurdling so also has to enter calculations.

16:50 Perth

Back over hurdles the penny dropped for THEMANINTHEBOOTS as he won emphatically at this track over shorter last month. He pulled 5 and a half lengths clear at the finish and even up 9lb from that should be the one to beat again. The step up to 3 miles should be ideal and he looks to have found the right race to follow up in. Petrastar bolted up over C&D 3 weeks ago but that was over fences so he needs to prove he can replicate that back over hurdles. I’m not sure what he beat that day either and up against the selection will likely find this tougher. Fabuleux Du Clos hasn’t been the easiest to train but was in good form when winning at Newcastle back in March. He is up 7lb but having undergone wind surgery could be the danger.