Very disappointing run by Shuli Royale yesterday.  As expected he was backed into 6/5F but the race was run at a crawl and turned into a bit of a sprint from leaving the back straight and he was clearly outpaced. He is better than this and with a run under his belt will be of interest to me again in the future. Two meetings today at Wetherby and Uttoxeter with one selection at Wetherby.

P&L at advised prices since 24/8 +10.84

Wetherby 3.50 1PT WIN Persian Gates@9/2 Paddy Power Fell (4/1)

A winning selection last time out Persian Gates is now a shorter price in a much more competitive race. So why are you backing him I hear you say? Well it was the manner of his victory last time out( in my eyes he had the race won before they left the back straight) that gave me the impression he could still be ahead of the handicapper. He has gone up another 10lbs for that win (21lbs for his last two wins), but he has a fitness advantage over his rivals, who may be using this race as a stepping stone to better things later in the season. The one I am scared of most is Shoreacres who was a non runner when selected on Saturday. He has an excellent first time out record, but I think Persian Gates fitness and fast accurate jumping will be the difference here. Looked as though he was probably beaten when fell at the 2nd last when just being pressed by eventual winner Fistral Beach.