Play looks Evan sent

Some of the country's top staying chasers look to lay down an early-season marker today and STATE OF PLAY (Wetherby, 3.30) can continue his graduation with success in the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase.

While The Listener and TARANIS (Down Royal, 2.30)go head to head in Northern Ireland, the Evan Williams-trained gelding bids to enhance his excellent first-time-out record with victory in the Yorkshire feature.

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Although his season ended in defeats at Cheltenham and Aintree, the seven-year-old is a better horse fresh and his handler has clearly identified today's contest as a prize worth winning.

Just 12 months ago he was produced in top form to impressively land the Hennessy Gold Cup and his preparation for today's Grade two is said to have followed a similar path.

In contrast to conditions at Wetherby, the ground at Ayr is going to be testing, but that shouldn't inconvenience VICIOUS WARRIOR (Ayr, nb, 2.30) or the busy MEMPHIS MAN (Ayr, 3.40).

The former showed resolution to score at the Scottish track last week and, although racing off a higher mark, looks in great heart and should go well again.

The switch to David Evans has seen a turn in the fortunes of Memphis Man who virtually refused to race at Leicester in July.

Since then he has climbed up the handicap courtesy of wins at Brighton, Yarmouth and Ayr.

However, he is still to reach his highest career mark and his third after a slow start at Yarmouth last time confirmed he is still in fine form.

Connections of YOUNG MICK (Kempton, nap, 8.20) will have been heartened by the five-year-old's display in defeat at Leicester last week.

Neil Callan conjured a good ride from the gelding who was returning to something like his best in finishing less than a length behind New Guinea. A repeat may be enough to see him regain the winning thread.

Today's lay is Bishopbriggs (Ayr, 12.55), who tends to race too keenly.