Probably the best bumper seen in the UK this season with some potentially high class performers on show. There are some interesting newcomers in the field, including Robert Alner's son of Phardante Distant Thunder and Rose Bowl Boy from the Charlie Mann stable. Patriarch Express, who carries a double penalty for his two wins, faces a stiff task giving weight away to all of his rivals and more solid claims are held by the single winners in the line up. Among them Bourbon Manhattan did not seemingly beat much when winning at Taunton, a comment that also applies to He's The Boss. Martin Pie's Control Man scored in the style of a good horse at Plumpton on his debut and warrants respect but Jonjo O'Neill has a good team of bumper horses and Classic Native, his chosen runner here, looks the one to beat. Good value for his four length win over Limited Edition (held) on his Warwick debut, the son of Be My Native created a good impression there and can progress further here. The reappearing duo of He's The Boss and Mind How You Go both warrant respect but we are prepared to stick with Jonjo's runner, who looks a cut above his rivals.
