1.40 - Sam Cooke 9/1 5pl - was 7/2jf for the November Handicap off a pound higher last backend but was never sighted in the race so it’s probably a performance best written off. He was on curve at that point and is taken to resume it here at a nice price. Dubai Souq looked a likely improver at the end of his juvenile season but presumably had problems last season. He could be one of those disappointing 3yos who bounce back a year later. Labeebb, Ilaraab and Taqareer are profile horses for profile trainers but they are at shorter prices while Shandoz heads the market closely followed by My Frankel. It’s a very competitive race but I’m happy to take Sam Cooke each-way against the field rather than dutch four or five. No doubt either Maifalki or Glasses Up, the rank outsiders and drawn quite wide, will end up being withdrawn to bring the field down to 15. I expect the bookies will make it worth connections’ while to come up with an excuse.