My pre-weights shortlist reads:
Flooring Porter – Stable form to one side, I can’t unsee that Kerry National performance last season. Something to prove after his layoff, but I’m not reading a thing into his comeback run.
Handstands – Stamina to prove, but he’s in the right hands. He wouldn’t be my typical National selection, but I just get the feeling he has something in hand.
L’Homme Presse – Been waiting years for him to take up this engagement. His current mark is high enough, but he’s been running well this season despite the stable form, which is a boost in itself.
Panic Attack – Could be a Skelton special. It’s touch and go if she will get in as I don’t think bottom weight will be too far away from 147.
Resplendent Grey – My idea of the likeliest winner. He’ll have the right man on board and ticks plenty of boxes. Can’t believe he’s still such a backable price.
The Real Whacker – Another one I’ve waited ages to see line up here. He has looked way out of sorts this season, but has consequently dropped to a decent mark.
There are a bunch of Irish plots that will take the eye I’m sure after the weights this afternoon, and it’d be foolish not to have one or two of them on side, but for the time being I’m siding with this rogues gallery.