Cocktail Charlie has disappointed in his last two starts, but would have a big chance in the 4.15 at Ripon if bouncing back to his best and looks worth chancing at 22/1.
Tim Easterby's three-year-old is a strong travelling type who should get the blistering gallop he needs to be seen at his best in this line up.
He run with great in the early part of the season, and was an excellent second of 20 to Lexi's Hero over 6f at York in June off today's mark of 92.
Beaten just a length that day, he had some really decent yardsticks behind, and followed up that effort with a solid sixth of 18 to Coeus in a valuable handicap at Newmarket.
He was only beaten 2 3/4 lengths and the form of the contest looks solid in the context of this race.
The gelding has clearly not been right and has failed to fire since in two races at York, but he was heavily backed on the first occasion and I think that connectiosn feel he is capable of landing a decent pot this season.
He is clearly not the easiest to win with, but he has a good draw in stall 3 today as the three at the head of the market are all drawn around him - including the very pacey Pepper Lane.
She looks guaranteed to blaze the trail and should hopefully give Cocktail Charlie a nice tow into the contest.
If David Allan can get the selection settled and produce him late, then I think he will go very close indeed if back to his best.
Backing him clearly comes with risks attached, but at 22/1 he's too big to ignore and a small each-way punt looks a risk worth taking.
Recommended bet: 1pt each-way Cocktail Charlie (22/1 Boylesports - BOG)
