This is a pattern race in all but name and it wouldn’t be a surprise if either of the Godolphin runners were to dominate the race and go on to Group company next time. That said, there are reasons to take them both on, with Hafit having shown a tendency to race keenly in his races, whilst Walk of Stars won his Nottingham maiden in November in the manner of a horse who will need this trip as a minimum. For that reason, the value in the race lies with the Crisfords WEST WIND BLOWS. He won a Newcastle Novice in December despite having to switch several times in the home straight and having to lunge between runners to get his head in front in the final few strides. The standard of that form is some way below that of a couple of his rivals, but we can upgrade it given the way the race panned out and he is open to any amount of improvement for an in-form yard.
Berkshire Rebel – 110 (6/1)
Grenoble – 115 (11/2)
Hafit – 140 (7/4)
Walk of Stars – 120 (5/1)
West Wind Blows – 120 (5/1)
