Dave Nevison's Friday tips: An Elegant argument

Pace might be an issue in this very tricky handicap but one of them has to win it and Pyleates certainly looks the horse least exposed with clear potential for improvement. 

He disappointed in a slowly-run race over course and distance last time being held up out the back and then suffering a poor run when asked to go and challenge. I am happy to put a line through that in the hope that the excellent Saffie Osborne will be alive to any eventualities in this race. Pyleates looks very likely to be suited by this staying trip and has been dropped a pound for this. 

Ascending Star is one-from-one for Owen Burrows having moved from James Owen’s at the end of last season. He beat a 1/5 shot of William Haggas’s under a good tactical ride, bagging the rail from a low draw at Lingfield, and winning with authority.

A mark of 80 seems very fair on his three runs so far and he could well improve considerably on that run from a stable that places its horses well. Trip and ground look ideal. 

Elegant Erin is well into the veteran stage at nine years old but won twice at Beverley last season and seemed better than ever in late summer. She ras run herself into form this season and definitely looked as though she could land another prize this season when third at Nottingham last time out. The strong pace that is likely here will suit her very well so I feel she is worth chancing again.