Team managers Matt Chapman, Charlie Fellowes and Alex Steedman have offered some insight into their runners’ chances on night four of the competition at Windsor…
Chapman's London & The South currently sit second in the overall standings with 379 points, 16 points behind current table-toppers The East.
He said: "I am really pleased that my trainers and owners this week have embraced the use of apprentice Jack Dace, who has a 100 per cent record for us after winning on his only ride so far at Yarmouth. He has four mounts at Windsor, which is a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents.
"I think we have a nice spread of chances across the card. On paper, Andaleep and Londoner look two strong contenders for Daniel & Claire Kubler in Race 28 (20:00). Both looked slightly unlucky in the same race at Wolverhampton last time, when they may well have won had things gone their way.
"I am really looking forward to Andrew Balding's Lieber Power in Race 27 (19:30). He travelled very well at Chepstow and proved last year that he can back up at both meetings. He finished second at Windsor last year off a mark of 88 and lines up this time off 89.
"Jimmy Speaking is only 2lb higher in Race 26 (19:00) than when winning at Yarmouth and is still unexposed over a mile. His connections actually wanted to try him over 10 furlongs, but I have opted for a mile again, so I thank them for playing ball.
"George Scott provides us with three runners, including the ultra-consistent Love Is The Law in Race 24 (18:00). He is one of seven rides on the card for Richard Kingscote. We are hoping Richard will be able to wrap up the leading jockey award with a good showing this week before he goes to Hong Kong."
Team manager and trainer Charlie Fellowes heads The East, who are the current frontrunners on 395 points.
In the buildup to Windsor, he said: "I think this week is going to be another tough one for us. We have added Tom Dascombe and Rod Millman to the team and many thanks to those guys for coming on board – I think Rod's horse Just An Hour in Race 23 (17:30) will definitely have a chance.
"Stuart Williams has been an excellent supporter so far and, without him, we would be struggling. He has put another nice team forward for this meeting, including Radical Design in Race 24 (18:00) and King Of Light in Race 25 (18:30), who both look to have nice chances.
"Mr Swivell was an emphatic winner for us at Wolverhampton and steps up in trip for Race 28 (20:00). I know Kevin Philippart de Foy is very sweet on his chances. That being said, I would be surprised if we are still leading after this week but, provided we can stay in the mix, that will give us a proper chance because I expect us to be strong at Newcastle and Southwell."
Scotland, who are managed by Alex Steadman, are currently fourth in the table following a sub-par performance at Chepstow last week.
"I think we have bits and pieces at Windsor, although the draw could have been kinder in places," said Steadman.
"A few of our horses were really undone by the draw at Chepstow as well, most notably Jim Goldie's pair Woohoo and Montezuma. They go again this week in Race 22 (17:00) and Race 25 (18:30) respectively and probably look the pick of ours, even though the draw could have been kinder to Montezuma.
"I think Eazy On The Eye is interesting in Race 24 (18:00) as well. He ran a belter at York last time, having set a fierce pace, and I think you can upgrade that effort. Then we have Ammes in Race 27 (19:30), who looks a player judged on his last run at Goodwood."
Managers' Picks:
Matt Chapman, London & The South: Andaleep (5/1), Londoner (5/1), Lieber Power (7/1), Love Is The Law (5/1)
Charlie Fellowes, The East: Just An Hour (17/2), Radical Design (4/1), King Of Light (4/1), Mr Swivell (100/30)
Alex Steadman, Scotland: Woohoo (6/1), Montezuma (7/1), Eazy On The Eye (9/1), Ammes (11/4)
