13:50 Sandown

Classic Anthem won decisively over C&D seven weeks ago and will be popular, but this demands more, and I really like the look of EYED for Hughie Morrison. Now he did have a hard race at Ayr two weeks ago, and that did come over three miles, but I loved the way travelled in that race. 

He made the 146-rated Masaccio pull out all the stops and the handicapper has only put him up a couple of pounds. Given he stays further, and his jumping should be a real asset around this venue, I can see him running well off a low weight and is available at a best price of 11/2.

EYED, 0.5pts E/W, 6/1 generally

14:05 Leicester

AKKADIAN THUNDER could be one to consider at 12/1. I am mindful of the fact that he might need the run, but he run a huge race under a monster weight when third Myal at Doncaster when last seen. 

Before that, he finished eighth of 18 in a hot handicap at Ascot when not getting a clear run and before that, he finished a good second to 110-rated Grey’s Monument at the same course off today’s mark. If he’s ready to roll after a break, I think he’s got a cracking each-way chance.

AKKADIAN THUNDER, 0.5pts E/W, 10/1 generally, 4 places

14:25 Sandown

I’m happy to look outside of the box and back APPRECIATE IT. I know he’s not getting any younger but I feel as though the trip and the ground will be right up his street and let’s not forget, he’s a former Supreme winner and has been dining at the highest level for several years now. 

He stayed on strongly to win on good ground in a Grade 2 race on his penultimate outing and was still travelling really well in the Grand National last time out before being brought down. Technically, he didn’t have much of a hard race, so I’m happy to take a chance on him at 16/1. 

0 of the last 10 winner won on their previous start before this race. That’s a negative for Pic D’Orhy and Gaelic Warrior. 

I feel as though this trio might stretch Pic D’Orhy and the ground might be a little too quick for Gaelic Warrior, plus he needed every yard of the three miles at Aintree. I’m happy to look away from them at their odds. 

Gentleman De Mee was rejuvenated by the national fences last time out, but I think the odds have been sucked out of him.

APPRECIATE IT, 0.5 pts E/W, 18/1 generally