1:13 – Mario De Pail 4/1 (9/2 with 365)
Thought good enough to take his chance in the Supreme last term, Mario De Pail looks more than capable of being competitive off a mark of 133.
He made his seasonal reappearance last month in the Welsh Champion Hurdle where he finished a creditable 5th. He fared the best of those who were prominent early but he lacked the change of gear that the front 4 had. That wasn’t surprising given the ground was far quicker than ideal for Mario De Pail and the front 4 are proven to have plenty of class and speed; we know Sceau Royal (1st) is lethal on quick ground and has won the Elite Hurdle since, while Ballyandy (2nd) is a standing dish in top 2m races. Furthermore, Buzz (3rd) was highly rated on the flat while Milkwood (4th) looked full of speed when winning his last start.
Therefore, the step up in trip looks likely to suit and the forecast rain is also in his favour.
Sam Thomas has only ever had 2 runners at Wetherby (1 winner), and he makes the 8+ hour round trip up from Cardiff with just the 1 runner on the card.
The yard are in terrific form; since Mario De Pail’s run 27 days ago, their runners have form figures of: 14383264311213 ; 4 winners and 6 placed from just 14 runners. Of the 10 that didn’t win, all bar 3 were no more than 6 lengths away from the winner.
This is an easier race than last time and he was dropped 2lbs for his creditable effort last time out.
James Bowen retains the ride; the Bowen/Thomas combination have form figures of 21222F25 since July 1st.
overandclear.com 