There’s plenty of pace in this 1000m contest. LIGHTNING STEED might appreciate coming back in trip, receives a favourable draw to get a soft run, and he could prove hard to beat on his second run for Caspar Fownes. He has worked very well without the blinkers in a trial prior to his first start for the stable, which was a slowly-run, messy affair and he looks a good bet. In the same event, FLYING FORCE had all of his momentum lost when checked late in the race and he should be running on. Although the 1,000m is sharp enough for him there looks to be a lot of pace which could allow him to get into the finish late when others are tiring. STRATHALLAN is effectively going in to this race first-up but his Happy Valley turf trial in mid-December was encouraging. He looks the main threat to Lightning Steed. A more patient ride on Lightning Treasure could also see him fare better. TOM’S DRAGON will probably be well in the market but he simply hasn’t produced the figures to warrant a short quote at this stage. That being said, both him and Lightning Treasure dueled last start so he could improve with a more patient ride. Tom’s Dragon is drawn to advantage and given he’s a lightly-raced, John Size-trained galloper he could find the necessary improvement to win without surprise. This is a race where I’m not going to suggest an outlay, but use my prices accordingly.