C2 | 3+
Winner GBP £56,694 - 22 runners
1m3f211y
Going: Good to Firm
Surface: T
James Doyle would have had the pick of the Wathnan Racing runners so it's worth noting he sided with FRENCH DUKE (12) who is trained by Roger Varian and finished a good second on soft ground over course and distance when last seen in September. Will appreciate returning to quicker ground and subsequently gelded can defy a 2lb higher mark on reappearance. HAND OF GOD (7) won a valuable handicap over 1m2f at this meeting twelve months ago. May take a step forward following a below-par return to action at Newmarket (Rowley) in May. The Willie Mullins-trained ETHICAL DIAMOND (18) provided smart hurdle form recently and cannot be ignored back on the flat with Ryan Moore booked. CAVIAR HEIGHTS (4) also warrants a second look on stable debut for William Haggas.