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THE London Gold Cup Handicap (Newbury, 3.00) has always been one of my favourite punting events in the first half of the flat season, and although just the 11 are set to go to post this year, it is always a race where the form stands out through the season.

Top weight, Black Run, is sure to try and dictate matters from the sharp end and this lightly raced son of Nathaniel is sure to relish the extra two furlongs on this galloping track, and it will be down to Tom Marquand to get the sectionals spot on. He has no easy task off top weight and a mark of 99, but I still expect him to go close to giving my selection, GOODWOOD ODYSSEY, nine pounds.