Can Epic Poet finally land a big one in the Old Borough Cup or will it be another near-miss at Haydock?

Is this the day when Epic Poet finally delivers? That is what many punters will be asking themselves because the David O'Meara-trained gelding has finished second in the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot, fifth in the John Smith's Cup at York, and fourth in last month's Ebor.

That is the definition of knocking on the door and this looks like a golden opportunity for Epic Poet to finally land his big one, so can he do it? He certainly looks handicapped to do just that as he races off the same mark as in the Ebor, and is 1lb better off with Oneforthegutter, who finished a length ahead of him in third. The pair are closely matched.

Oneforthegutter won his only start at this course, albeit a 6f maiden three years ago, and has been threatening to land a big one himself. He was second at Newmarket's July meeting and third in a Racing League event at Yarmouth to add to his near-miss in the Ebor.

Maybe Ryan Moore can unlock the door for Oneforthegutter. It will be the first time Moore has partnered the five-year-old, and he is an upgrade on almost every other rider in Britain.

Divine Comedy has won a big one and that victory was an impressive one over two miles at this track in May. However, she has been hammered by the handicapper since and now races from a mark 14lb higher than for the success. She has continued to improve on Racing Post Ratings, though.

The Harry Eustace-trained mare has recorded progressive RPRs of 106 and 107 on her two outings since that course-and-distance victory, and another career-best might be on the way.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Eustace's Irish plan

Divine Comedy is running here in preparation for a tilt at the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh on September 29, a race in which many British trainers are showing an interest as it is worth E600,000, with a hefty €324,000 to the winner.

The six-year-old mare is a 12-1 chance to land the spoils in County Kildare, and will need to post an encouraging trial if she is to get the green light for the trip from trainer Harry Eustace.

The Newmarket trainer said: "She's in good form we're prepping her for the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh. The ground and trip will suit her better over there as it's not usually as soft as the Cesarewitch at Newmarket often is, and it's more prize-money. The ground will hopefully not be too soft, and she has come of her last run at York in good shape."

What they say 

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Grand Alliance
It will be great to get him back on the track. He nearly produced a career best on his last run in a Group 2 at Deauville last August, but then picked up a niggle. We've taken our time with him. He's done plenty of work, but I think he'll come on for the run. He's fit enough to run a nice race and it's a nice place to start. Having William Buick on board can only be a plus.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Rajinsky
He got colic after running in France last July and had an operation. It reflects enormous credit on everyone involved that we've been able to get him back to race. He looks a million dollars and goes well fresh.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Euchen Glen
He won the race four years ago but needs a good pace to aim at these days so hopefully they kick on. He goes on any ground and still has plenty of zest about him.

Ian Williams, trainer of Oneforthegutter, Dancing In Paris and Law Of The Sea
We've booked Ryan Moore for Oneforthegutter, who ran a great race to be third under Joe Fanning in the Ebor last time. He would appreciate the ground drying out a little. Dancing In Paris won very well at a Racing League fixture at Southwell last time and has had a terrific season. Law Of The Sea needs to step up on what he has shown recently if he is to get involved.

David Menuisier, trainer of Waxing Gibbous
She's an exciting type who is back from a break as she wants slow ground, so we've waited two months since her run at Kempton. It'll be interesting to see how she goes up in trip.

Ivan Furtado, trainer of Lincoln Rockstar
She has no weight and owes us nothing after winning five races this year, so we're giving this a go. She has some form on soft ground, but we'd prefer it if it dried out a little.
Reporting by David Milnes

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