Forget the literary sluggers, this slugkiller looks the firm favourite as they leave the stalls.
August critics have piled manure on affable Alan's tale of how a weedy lad became a mighty gardener.
His fans won't mind that as they scrape away the topsoil to reveal a 52-year-old who, absurdly, has twice been voted the Second Sexiest Man in the World and the Seventh Most Respected Person in Britain.
Your A S Byatts and Zadie Smiths may make a challenge at the final furlong but this potting shed prince is strong at the withers, good at fences and trained to clip (and clop). He could lead the field as they run out from behind the arbours.
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