Can in-form Zero Carbon transfer his Kempton efforts to Southwell's Tapeta surface?

The in-form horse in this line-up is Zero Carbon, but the question to be answered is can he transfer his Polytrack form at Kempton to the different demands of the Tapeta at Southwell?

If he can then he could be a shoo-in because he recorded a career-best Racing Post Rating of 101 when last seen at Kempton, finishing third behind the classy pair Night Raider and Equilateral, who are both rated in the 100s by the BHA. Zero Carbon runs off just 89 here.

That’s because he has escaped a rise for that last run and he does have form on Tapeta. He has a win and a second from three starts at Wolverhampton, and that is a hint that he will act here.

There are no course doubts surrounding Stone Soldier. He loves it at Southwell, having recorded four wins and a second at the course, although three victories were on Fibresand.

However, he still has a win and a second from four runs on Tapeta and hasn’t been seen at the course since January, when he beat only two home off a mark of 95. He competes off just 88 now that he is back at his favourite track and it wouldn’t be a big surprise were he to go well.

Paborus is the unknown quantity, having won twice in novice company from four starts on turf. However, he was well held when seventh on his handicap debut at York in August.

That was a red-hot race that has thrown up six individual subsequent winners, though, and Paborus races off the same mark over a furlong shorter. Both wins came over this trip.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

James Tate, trainer of Cloud Cover
She's back from a break and likes the all-weather, so there's no reason she can't run well. If they go hard in front it will suit her as she likes to drop in and come late.

Roger Varian, trainer of Bobby Bennu
He's in good form and we expect the track and trip to suit him. He's still unexposed and has a decent draw in stall eight.

Marco Botti, trainer of Silver Samurai
He didn't like the soft ground at Doncaster last time and was a bit unlucky before that, so we're back on the all-weather. He's capable on his day and looks to have a good draw.

George Boughey, trainer of Koy Koy
He's wearing cheekpieces for the first time and is only 3lb higher than when he won on the all-weather in the Racing League last season.

David Simcock, trainer of Ararat
He's talented and ran very well last time. If he puts his best foot forward there's no reason he can't run well in a competitive race.
Reporting by David Milnes

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