This is an interesting opening race with Moreira and Purton likely to be favoured by the betting public to fight this one out. COME ON WONGCHOY (Purton) was defeated by THE JOY OF GIVING (Moreira) back on Boxing Day (race 285) when there was little between the pair (a half-length). This time, each looks equally suited by the step up in trip with a 1.5kg weight swing in favour of Come On Wongchoy. However, while the weights and measures may favour Come On Wongchoy, who incidentally has been runner-up his last three starts, there was still plenty of merit to the win of The Joy Of Giving. Moreira had to make a long sustained run last time and the horse appeared to be drawing clear on the line. I think he might have the measure of Come On Wongchoy again. All that said, GLORIAM posted a career-best figure on his last outing and he definitely looks as though he will relish the step up in trip. A slow tempo would be of some concern, but he can win. The blinkers going back on PENZANCE should help and he has a reasonable record in this grade, including a course and distance win – he’ll be very competitive here. In summary, whilst The Joy Of Giving is the horse to beat, I like the early price around Gloriam and he’s worth backing at each way odds.