Archived Quotes

Warning Sign was in decent form in the autumn and it was understandable if he was a little ring-rusty at Lingfield after more than six months' absence. He ought to be a little sharper tonight.

French Martini is one of two we have in this. He showed little promise on his first run since coming over from France, but he did have decent form there. Might need a run or two fully to acclimatise.

Semser was placed twice to end his 2023 campaign but has been a long way below that level in two runs this year. He needs to get his season back on track.

One Step Beyond needed the run on his recent comeback but he did win over the straight mile here last summer. He's been a prolific winner over the years and now in an apprentice race with Anna claiming 7lb, he has to be interesting off clear bottom weight.

Voodoo Ray ran eight times last year, seven of them for two wins at Brighton. He's been off since the autumn and may be fitter for the outing.

Our Papa Smurf had four runs last season as a juvenile without getting anywhere near the winner's circle. He needs to show more, but he's far from a hopeless case and we're looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

Non-runner

Parikarma has been struggling a little over hurdles since winning in claiming company over the winter. She has a decent win score on the flat and is fairly handicapped. She might just be better for getting back in the swim on the level.

Our other runner The Whipmaster had a nice win over slightly further on this course in June last year. He's been off since the autumn but has a good win percentage and has won first time out in the past.

We run two in this tricky handicap. Silastar won a couple last spring but has been a long way short of that in two runs on the AW this year. He needs a revival but we've not seen much sign of it yet.

We run two in this season finale. Authorised Speed was a smart novice hurdler last year and we had high hopes for him as a novice chaser. That hasn't worked out well so far, but if he restarts hurdling in the same vein as he left off last term, there would be much more surprising winners than him in this handicap.

Mark Of Gold has a tremendous record over jumps, with seven wins in 18. Add three more on the flat and he has that winning mentality. Tough ask, but he'll always give a positive answer.

We're left with just Kotmask here. He usually runs Sandown well although he struggled before falling late on Imperial Cup Day, a run he put to rights with a subsequent 3rd at Plumpton. Each-way chance at his best.

Non-runner

I was really disappointed in him at Aintree the other day, that's why I was half-keen to run him again. I wanted to give him another try with a pair of blinkers on.

Editeur Du Gite is in the form of his life, it's a shame that it's such a good race. He's always had problems with his feet but we seem to have got him back on track now. If he can nick a place I'll be well pleased. He's going well enough to do that.

Magic Memories ran very when 5th in the Spring Mile at Doncaster. He has a featherweight, further reduced by Jack's 7lb claim. Good chance to finish in the money in a hot handicap.

Yellow Star will need a miracle as it's a tough assignment. I'm trying a pair of blinkers to see if that will bring some improvement in him.

Daphne May showed her first sign of regaining her best form for a while when a staying-on 6th over a mile here two weeks ago. She might be coming to the boil and has a small place chance, dropping to 7f.

Jolyjump ran against some nice hurdlers in his three qualifying runs. He must have been hard to assess and I reckon 92 is as much as the handicapper could have given him. The market though rates him a player. We'll see!

Call Off The Dogs had a couple of years off before resuming in February and it's been a struggle so far. He did complete last time after two pulled-up runs and his mark has dropped in concert with that. Might be getting nearer to being competitive.

Cloud Dancer has been running in novice hurdles even though given a mark, and finished a well-beaten 2nd the last twice. Dropped a few pounds from his latest effort, he still looks to have plenty of weight against some more experienced handicappers.

Hudson De Grugy ran easily his best race of the season when 3rd at Sandown last month, and it should probably have been better, at least 2nd and possibly even a win bar a couple of inconveniences in the closing stages. Although not entirely proven at 3m, on this better ground he could last home and be a big player.

Champagne Piaff came back after two and a half years off the track with a highly promising 3rd at Bath recently. Ryan takes the mount and we'll be hoping that between rider and horse, we can get right in the action in this long-established race.

Junkanoo made a promising start in novice hurdles but an open handicap hurdle at Sandown found him out. This hands and heels race should be less demanding and Rob can claim 8lb, reducing his big weight nicely. Each-way chance.

Larry won at Plumpton three runs ago but has been contesting tough handicaps since. He's a great old boy and is always liable to pop up at a nice price.

Everything was going swimmingly for Issar d'Airy with two wins at Newbury but his jumping was suspect when he tried for the hat-trick here last month. He has schooled well since and should be fine. Chances.

If he runs Sanitiser should be capable of winning off such a low mark in relation to his flat rating. Then again, it's not always that simple!

Inigo has yet to show much but accordingly has a low initial mark. He should be able to fare better than in novices.

Non-runner

Two runners here. Oj Lifestyle ran his best race of 2023 when 3rd at Epsom on his final start and was subsequently gelded. He can continue to progress, but this is a tough start to his campaign.

One Step Beyond joins Oj Lifestyle in this competitive handicap. He joined us midway through last season, making an immediate impact with two wins out of his first three. He didn't quite maintain it, but wasn't overraced and can start this year afresh.

Alpha Crucis kept improving last year and made a very promising reappearance when 4th in the Lincoln at Doncaster. He will appreciate the less demanding conditions here and Anna takes off the 7lb again. The high draw should be a help.

Peking Opera made a winning debut over jumps for us but did not back that up next time.  He was 4th in the Irish Derby - as one of the Auguste Rodin back-up team - but this is a very tough re-introduction back on the level.

Bated Breeze outran his odds when 3rd after an eight-month absence at Kempton the other day. If he can give Tom a more measured run through, he could easily go close.

Asense compiled an autumn hat-trick, the first two wins coming here. Although only raced three times since, his mark is almost down to the latest winning level.  He usually makes the running but that might be difficult unless Anna can get him to fly out of the stalls from this wide draw. Value each-way mark (if she does!).

Flamelco has not been the most consistent since switching to fences but his mark is now considerably lower than his hurdles figure. It's not the highest class race he's contested and if everything clicks, he could easily come home in front.

Through the  Ages was coming along very nicely with wins in juvenile events either side of the New Year but after a two-month break was well beaten at Sandown. He tried to make all the running in testing ground that day, while conditions today will be far less severe. With the 10lb wfa allowance, he looks nicely pitched in this first handicap off 115. Hopeful.

Three handicappers turn up in this trappy 0-105 handicap. Bridge has been consistent in his first season and will probably enjoy the faster ground as it will help him use his decent flat-race speed. Probably in the best form of our trio.

Tara Iti is another winner from last year who has been below that level since coming back for the latest campaign. The handicapper seems nervous about dropping him too far and while a couple of pounds have finally come off, whether that will be enough to encourage him back to his best is another story.

Since winning over hurdles just over a year ago at Hereford, Executive Pool has been running disappointingly over fences. We hope returning to hurdles might rekindle some enthusiasm.

We double up in this. All Authorized has the highest rating of those to have run, and in his last five races only once has he stepped out of handicaps and was a close 2nd in a maiden hurdle. Back at that level, he has an outstanding chance on form.

Lumi Plugin has run with promise in his three bumpers. A place could be possible but he would be doing well to match his stable-companion first time over jumps.

Anificas Beauy won here twice last spring at 6f and 7f. She went up after the later of the wins at today's trip but is now back down to that mark and Rhys who was on board that day, gets the ride. Promising signs.

Stormingin continues to defy his years and returns to the same CD where he gave his young rider a first win. This will be only her 3rd ride so if she wins that would represent a healthy enough strike rate. He's only 3lb higher and has the plum draw so why not?

After a long absence, Full Back fell on his return and then tired late on in a marathon on very testing ground at Haydock. Conditions will be friendlier today and the CD winner should now be ready to make more of an impact.

Novus didn't stop improving throughout last season. She won twice at Goodwood and ended her 3yo campaign with a smart performance in a fillies' Group 3 over 1m2f here. It's the same grade, Group 3 and only one furlong shorter, but now she's pitched in against the boys. Deservs the chance to take them on.

Non-runner

We run two in this handicap. Fascinating Lips won in 2022 but didn't return to action until last June and had finished off the year by September. His form was well below that of the previous campaign so while his mark is lower it's a watching brief today.

Our other runner Kotari came from France and didn't run from autumn 2022 until last October. One run around here preceded a few over hurdles and so far he hasn't excelled at that. At least he will be fit and we can gauge where he relates to these domestic handicappers.

Non-runner

Abingworth is clearly going the right way over fences, winning a couple in the West Country. He's nearer to home today and it's Paul Nicholls' turn to play on away soil. His horse will be a big threat and like us, he's claiming 3lb for using his own conditional as we are with Caoilin.

We've got the ground for Nassalam and his jockey back from injury just in time to renew the partnership that dominated the Welsh National He handled the fences well in the Grand Sefton before that, but off 161 it won't be easy. Up 16lb for a race where hardly anything got round? I hope the handicapper was right, but 40/1 suggests he wasn't, especially when you consider he has conditions to suit.

Botox Has came back to winning form last time under testing conditions in the Grade 2 Rendlesham at Haydock. He's back with the big boys again and while he's a biggish price, there isn't much between all the main contenders on official ratings. If it's to be settled by pure guts, he won't be far away.

Walk In The Wild has been generally disappointing although he wasn't beaten far when 3rd of only four runners last time. It's hard to get too excited about his prospects here but he has the ability at his best.

Heaven Smart won well two runs back but got murdered by the handicapper. He was already beaten when unseating late on last time. Could go close with a clear run but his mark is tough.

Daphne May is showing little sign of retrieving last year's form. She won from 5lb higher than today's mark so if she does get that level back, she would have a small each-way chance.

Two in this junior NH hurdle and both with two runs in bumpers behind them. It might be close between them but Authentic Legacy ran in a decent race at Newbury last time and could be marginally in front on form.

The Ron Do Ron like Authentic Legacy has had a couple of runs, staying on very well when it was all over for 4th at Kempton. We thought he would improve for that next time but in all fairness probably didn't. Very little between them though.

Cephalus put up another best in this exciting season for him and he's now won four in a row. The handicapper keeps piling on the pounds - up another 7lb for a neck last time! Only Tom knows if he can handle it but my guess is he can.

Ballybentragh is well but it looks like he will have his work cut out at this level. Owner-rider David Maxwell was keen to give it a crack so we hope he can put up a good show.

Aviles missed a few chances during his sequence of five 2nd places in a row, including a debut runner-up first time over fences. The top two are in good form but he gets plenty of weight so if he can get back to that earlier form, he could have a squeak.

If Spirit D'Aunou is at his best he should give a good account in a wide-open race. We think he can outrun his odds.

Black Gerry had been in a slump but made a timely return to something like his best when 2nd at Plumpton last week. He acts on the ground and there will be worse each-way bets at a price here today.

The memory of Aviles' five consecutive and usually close 2nd places is being supplanted by some lesser performances. Down a little after the loss of form, it's unlikely to be enough to spark an instant revival.

Johnny Jump Up was a comfortable winner two runs back but then got worried out of a potential follow-up by a Nicholls runner to whom he was trying to give weight. The better ground here has attracted a competitive field but it's also a qualifier for a valuable final and we need to run. Each-way shout.

Two in this, both capable of running well at this level, but also both with difficult draws. Asense made a good comeback, 4th at Lingfield having made the running last month, and should be cherry-ripe for this.

Big Jimbo likes Kempton but he's back after five months off and may well be better for the outing. Like Asense he hasn't been helped by the draw.

A slow start on his comeback was only the beginning of Silastar's problems that day. With the run behind him, we expect a better show now from this course and distance winner.

Champagne Piaff hasn't been seen on the track for 18 months. He won off today's mark on his penultimate run and while that was on much faster ground than today's he also had run well on soft. The trip is fine so we go there with a degree of optimism.

Jupiter Du Gite looked much more the finished article when winning for the first time over fences here going clear up the run-in. The 7lb extra is less of a worry than hoping he'll not pull too hard. The ground is fine and with that alone, you're halfway there.

Platinum Prince hasn't quite struck form yet this year but he hasn't been beaten far in either of his two outings. We're claiming off him and that could help him be more competitive.

Capricorn Prince loves Lingfield but he's been in and out for his past few runs and after a midwinter break, made a below-par comeback run at Kempton last time. He doesn't mind a big field, but he needs to return to something like his best to be competitive.

Warning Sign made a statement when finishing clear on the far side of the Spring Cup at Doncaster a year ago, although that side of the race was well behind the much larger stands group. He ran a couple of good 2nd places in the latter part of the season in amateurs' races ridden by owner David Dunsdon.  No doubt David will want to see more action on him later in the year.

Three runners here today and all in this handicap, none with obvious chances. French Martini was bought last November in France. A five-race maiden,  he did start off with a couple of places, but didn't go on from there. Nice pedigree but we'll see what to expect going forward when he runs today.

Semser is the one of our trio to have seen recent action, an unremarkable effort over 1m2f here. At the foot of the handicap, he also gets 7lb off and he and Anna might squeeze into a place as he drops to 1m.

Bated Breeze joined in the summer and his initial run in August was disappointing. The handicapper hasn't  taken any chances with his mark but we'll have a better idea on that after he runs.

Lady Twilight didn't show much in her two juvenile starts to suggest she can figure in this comany. A wide draw adds to the difficult task on 3yo return.

After an excellent 2023 on the flat and over hurdles, Aggagio made a promising comeback at Huntingdon in January, finishing 2nd. If he could polish up his jumping, he would be a good thing to win this.

Daphne May had a busy 2023 and she has yet to get anywhere near her level then. Needs a revival but will it be today? Doubtful.

A winner around here last May, Angel's Dream has not shown much yet this season and we've given him a three-month break since disappointing last time. He could well be better for the run.

Yet another day when Sanitiser appears in the runners. For one reason or another, he hasn't taken up those opportunities but this smart flat-racer should win one very soon, hopefully today.

Cloud Dancer won at Newbury just over a year ago and has been 3rd both times this season, showing more promise the first time at Ascot. Freshened up for this, he should be a strong each-way contender.

Call Off The Dogs is on the comeback trail having been off for almost two years. His first two pulled up runs aren't giving us too much hope for a quick return to his best.

Crescent Lake returned after a six-month break at Lingfield where he started 125/1 and ran accordingly. He'll be an outsider again and we just hope he can run a little better.

Le Boulevardier was backed from 25/1 to 9/2 at Ludlow four months ago and bolted up. He has joined us since then with a new owner and we think we're going the right way using Niall to claim 3lb in this conditionals' race. Hoping he'll run well.

Jerrash hasn't been setting the world alight, yet he carries 12st top weight, conceding 26lb to each of his four opponents in this selling chase. They are in racecard order respectively 4lb, 13lb, 24lb and 30lb out of the handicap, so no wonder he's odds-on. Looks like he just has Ingennio to beat.

Our other runner Kotmask won two in a row at Sandown and Plumpton before falling having weakened on a return visit to the Esher track. On this season's form, he could have the edge on Black Gerry but a win for either would make us very happy!

There's terrific prize money for this chase and we're having two stabs at it. Black Gerry has been off form this season but if he could get back to somewhere near his best, he would have to be considered.

Alain made his racecourse debut in one of the recently introduced juvenile NH hurdles. He pulled up and will need to show much more to figure in this.

Teddy Blue has yet to win this season but has been highly tried. As the ratings suggest, this is another tough race and we would be delighted if he could run into the money.

Hudson De Grugy was still in contention when staying on late in a 3m chase at Sandown when falling two runs back and then dropping in trip to 2m4f was staying on into 3rd only when the race was over. Three miles around here should be right up his street. Place chances.

After a couple of good runs in novice handicap hurdles off a fairly high mark around 110, it was disappointing that All Authorized failed to land long odds-on last time at Fontwell. We're not giving up on him yet and back in a handicap, we expect him to figure at the business end, hopefully for a first victory.

Cephalus won impressively over this CD a week ago. Today's race is worth almost five times as much to the winner and it would have been a help if he had been better drawn. In terrific form though and is sure to give his new owner another exciting day out.

Lightning Maqueen ran really well when 3rd in a hot Kempton bumper last time. He's open to bags of improvement and as a 4yo he can run off 17lb less than the penalised 5yo Electric Mason. Strongly fancied.

The 5yo Pearl's Pirate joins Lightning Maqueen in this. From a fair point-to-point family, this will be his first sight of a racecourse. We're hoping he can show some promise.

The tough Parikarma won a claiming hurdle at Leicester three races back but can run off 6lb lower now after a couple of lesser runs in handicap hurdles. It's a trappy old race, and she could sneak a place if back at her best.

He's A Latchico ran disappointingly last time over the course and distance. That said, he had been a creditable 2nd the twice before and remains amazingly well handicapped on 107 compared to his flat figure of 86. A win is only delayed.

Time To Roll has a nice enough pedigree and wasn't totally outclassed on his debut here last month. He would need to improve markedly to figure, though, and the wide draw doesn't make his task any easier.

Non-runner

Abingworth has done himself proud since going over fences, with three 2nd places, and a win from only five starts. A similar performance could bring him home in front.

Right-handed specialist Odin's Quest did a good job when rallying late on for a close 3rd at Ludlow last time. That was his first run after a break and we took from that the belief that he might handle this considerably longer trip. If he does he should be bang there from his nice weight and with a talented amateur in the saddle,

Time To Dazzle came back from a summer break late last year and seemed to have progressed, winning the 2nd of two runs by eight lengths. He was raised 8lb for that win on heavy ground and the going will be much less testing here. We hope he can be just as effective on it.

Hector Jaguen hasn't really come back in very good form this season. He was already on the retreat when unseating two out at Plumpton last time. While on that run he is hard to fancy here, he has been working very well at home.

Larry has a couple of wins over this CD to his credit although his two tries this season have been disappointing. The 11yo showed he retains a fair degree of ability, though, with a win two runs back at Plumpton and he can show it with a decent run in this high-class veterans' race.

We run two in this always interesting 4yo handicap hurdle. Royal Way has a 2nd to Sir Gino on his card, followed by two wins at Ludlow, the latter narrowly under a penalty. He'll give it a shot for the hat-trick.

Our other runner Yellow Star won with determination at Lingfield before sinking without a trace, 4th of 5 in very heavy ground at Newbury. These conditions should be more to his liking.

Invincible Nao took a while to record his first win for us, coping with Fakenham's turns and gradients, but that seemed to inspire him to an excellent 2nd last time at Sandown. He should enjoy the better ground and can go very close here again.

Non-runner

Authentic Legacy made a promising start when 4th in a juvenile bumper (1m6f) at Cheltenham on New Year's Day when with a clear run he might have finished closer. This Goff's sales bumper carries a massive prize and we're under no illusions that it will be very strong. Just hoping he can measure up.

Alpha Crucis just sneaked in at the bottom of the Lincoln field. He has a high draw which is often an advantage, but this is one race where it is unwise to be too dogmatic about that. Anna takes a handy 7lb off and there are certainly worse 20/1 shots in the line-up.

Magic Memories showed consistent form last year and was on the upgrade at the end of the season, performing well on testing ground in the autumn He must have a solid each-way chance.

Daphne May had a busy and productive 2023 but in two runs back after a six-month break, she has yet to show anything. All we can do is hope for an imminent revival as the ability is in there.

Hermino Aa ran a blinder two runs back at Sandown but his following race over this CD was generally accepted to be a fiasco as the winner got an uncontested lead and nothing ever promised to peg him back, Hermino finishing a remote 4th. A more conventional race might put him right in the picture.

Saligo Bay has been doing okay around Plumpton this winter, but this looks a tougher test than of late. If he could run right up to his best, a place would be a possibility.

Semser was progressing nicely in the late autumn but has had four months off. This looks competitive and he may well be better for the outing.

Ballybentragh won an Irish point, but he has already shaped as though he will be a money-spinner for owner-rider David Maxwell. A winner first time out for us at Sandown, he fought hard when 2nd under the penalty over this CD in heavy ground. David rode a nice winner at Ludlow yesterday and hopefully, Ballybentragh can give him a repeat with the better ground helping him.

Since coming back from a short break in late December, Cephalus has won three times at a mile, starting at Lingfield, then after a couple of reverses, at Kempton and Southwell. He's 19lb higher than when the run started but is in great form and may well give it another good go.

We've kept Movethechains busy lately. After struggling in the Welsh Grand National in December he returned to his favourite Lingfield, initially winning over 3m6f before two lesser runs. Back at the winning trip here, he has to have a decent chance with neither stamina nor ground an issue.

Schelem was a winner on his only start in France for Francois Nicolle. There was a gap of 18 months between his first and second run for us, the latter coming earlier this month when he was already beaten when a faller at the last in a four-horse field at Lingfield. Needs to find a good deal to figure.

Iconic Muddle, though an 11yo, shows no signs of reduced ability. He has been runner-up in all three starts this season and may well enjoy dropping back from 3m to 2m4f today. The one to beat.

We've saved Sangiovese for this rather than take him to Fakenham the other day. A winner previously at Southwell for which he was raised 7lb, his latest 2nd here brought another 4lb. First-time blinkers can help get him back in the winner's circle.

Running creditably off 110 for his best run yet over hurdles should be the ideal preparation for a Fontwell maiden hurdle. It would be a surprise to us and the market which has him long odds-on if All Authorized fails to deliver after his good 2nd at Newbury.

Flamelco came from France just over a year ago and started out with a chase handicap mark of 121. He's now down to 100 which still means top-weight of 12st in this. His latest 2nd place after making the running at Fontwell suggested he's getting there and he has an each-way chance today.

Lightning Maqueen shaped with promise on debut in a reasonable Newbury bumper. He's one to keep an eye on, but there's a number in this with superior racecourse form.

The Ron Do Ron was out with the washing for much of his debut in a Kempton bumper last month. He came home quickly having clearly got the hang of the job halfway round and we're very hopeful he can go close here.

Jupiter Du Gite switched to fences after a short break following a couple of ordinary runs over hurdles this season. He ran well for 2nd at Hereford and we're hoping he can build on that debut to get his head over the line.

Impressive then determined in his last two, both at Newbury, Issar d'Airy is going the right way. He must hold decent chances of completing the hat-trick.

Non-runner

The more rain the better for Nassalam, it's as simple as that. It gives him a much better chance if the ground is proper soft especially if the others don't handle it as well as he does. The handicapper thinks he's good enough to run in the Gold Cup and he's not often wrong. If you told me six months ago we'd be going in the Gold Cup I'd have laughed at you, but he's earned it with his two wins at Chepstow. This is also a good race to have before the Grand National which is our main aim.

Non-runner

Non-runner

Salver has put together a four-timer over hurdles and if does rain that would give him an excellent chance as he likes it proper soft. He looked very good at Haydock last time and if conditions are right for him, he'll go there with a big chance.

Non-runner

Kumari Star is no world-beater but showed a little more promise last time. He's at a disadvantage with some of these on ratings in this 0-50 Classified, but I think if he continues to improve, we might find a similar race later - if not today!

Le Patron has done really well over fences this season. Any more rain would be pleasing as while he's okay on good ground, the softer it is the better when he's taking on this company. It's a bit of an ask but he's entitled to be there on what he's done.

Cosmic View had a spell hurdling earlir in the winter and has returned this year with a couple of runs on AW. His mark has come down a little but hardly by enough to make him of major interest.

Anifica's Beauty had a couple of wins in the spring, but struggled in her last few appearances. She returns after a winter break and will probably be better for the outing.

Lumi Plugin has shown a little promise in two bumper runs. On form, he has a bit to find with a few of these.

While Aviles was putting together his sequence of five consecutive 2nd places, we thought it only a matter of time before he won. The first time over fences looked to be his time, but he was beaten a nose and two runs since have been less convincing. Surely there's a race in him - and soon!

Non-runner

Non-runner

Mark Of Gold got back on the winning trail in great style at Kempton last time to reinforce his exceptional win ratio. The 5lb rise in his mark won't be easily defied, but he's a horse you can never take lightly.

Twenty Twenty sprung a 20/1 surprise at Wincanton just before Christmas and wasn't disgraced under a penalty over this CD soon after. He's had a nice break since but should be ready to go close.

Call Of The Dogs showed signs of ring-rustiness when making his first start for just short of two years at Plumpton last month. He may well be less forward than our other contender in this.

Authorised Speed was a high-class novice hurdler last season, winning three of five all by wide margins. His two defeats came at Grade 1 level. This season over fences started inauspiciously with a fall but he did better when 3rd at Plumpton off his tough hurdles mark of 135. He deserves a crack at this and he could well outrun his odds.

Like Executive Pool earlier, Casa Loupi has been in something of a slump this season although he was going okay when falling last time. Risky as things are.

Jerrash ran 2nd last time when back hurdling after a brief spell over fences. That should have put him right for this four-horse affair in which he gives away weight to the other three.

Sanitiser has missed a few races for one reason or another since his 4th first time over hurdles for us. He's the one with the 87 flat rating that we can't wait to win with off his low hurdles mark. Maybe it'll be today.

Executive Pool showed promise as a juvenile but hasn't really gone the right way this season. Probably one to watch at the moment.

Johnny Jump Up progressed from two modest runs in points to a wide-margin win on debut for us and hurdles at Fontwell six weeks ago. Probably the one to beat.

We run two in this. Cloud Dancer won on hurdles debut impressively in February 2023 but was off until November when promising in 3rd just behind our horse Junkanoo at Ascot. Every chance along with our other runner.

Cephalus got up late to win a 3k Class 5 handicap narrowly at Kempton last time. The Class is the same but the winner's prize is three times as much! First-time blinkers could help him concentrate and he has been very consistent since coming back after a break, Hopeful.

Daphne May returned after a near six-month break with a last of 9 at Lingfield last week. A winner of eight races,  she shouldn't take too long to get back into the swing of it.

Hudson De Grugy won the novices' handicap chase contested today by Kotmask and Invincible Nao a year ago. He runs from the same mark, but for one-third the money! Lightly raced since that win, he was coming to take a hand when falling here in a similar race last month and must hold each-way chances if avoiding a similar mishap today.

Kotmask has won his last two, around here and then Plumpton and this race was always the plan for him after Plumpton. I'm glad the top one has stayed in to keep the weights down a bit. He's a good jumper and that's what you need at Sandown.

We also run Invincible Nao, who was an easy winner last time around the quirky Fakenham track, but he had it all his own way there. I'm not sure if he is up to the class and having gone up 8lb for that, this race won't be easy.

Spirit D'Aunou has won five of his eight hurdle races including two runs back over this CD in December. He is entitled to be the shorter priced of our pair as he has a bit of class and hopefully claiming 5lb will help off 12st topweight. He was very disappointing last time but has been working well since.

Two in the Imperial Cup, top-weight Spirit D'Aunou and tough as teak Junkanoo. Junkanoo is on the up after three 2nd places then a nice win last time. The slight negative is the stiff two miles around here in the ground.

Diplomatic Ash showed promise in a couple of placed runs around Plumpton. He disappointed last time in his first handicap but he was wrong that day and while it's a jump up in class he has a nice racing weight. Then again, I'm well aware this is a tough race for him.

Ex-Charlie Appleby Through The Ages has quickly developed as a hurdler, finishing 3rd to smart Burdett Road on debut and then winning his next two with comfort. He concedes a lot of weight to Bridge, but looks one to take higher rank later on. Very hopeful.

We run two in this juvenile handicap hurdle. Bridge has done well winning once and is already performing with credit in open handicap hurdles. Back against his own age group, he can run well, but some of these have more potential.

What can you say about Goshen? He did stay on late for 3rd behind Nemean Lion and Colonel Mustard in the Kingwell Hurdle, a race he'd won twice before. He's making a 3rd try over fences and neither earlier showed him in his best light. A five-runner race around here off 139 could be a gift or a fiasco. We've no idea what to expect, but at least he's going the right way around.

Asense put up an autumn hat trick on turf last year before running as if over the top at Windsor five months ago. Bottom-weight here, he might improve for the run.

Silastar has been off since running a poor race at Goodwood in August. On his best form of last season, he would hold each-way claims in this trappy handicap.

Just a small field for Schelem on only his 2nd start for us. He won on debut in France but was well beaten on UK debut 14 months ago. The two ahead of him in the market both won easily under these conditions last month and he'll do well to match strides with them.

Movethechains knows his way around here like the back of his forelegs (if he could reach them) with five wins in seven starts, four at 3m and the other at 3m5f. He's yet to run over hurdles here though but there's no reason why he cannot be just as effective. If he likes it, that's just another string to his bow, so to speak.

Non-runner

Saligo Bay enjoyed a bloodless success over this CD in November. We expected a similar result two months ago on his return here but he lasted only as far as the 2nd hurdle. We are hoping for a repeat of the first performance rather than the latest.

Walk In The Wild had already been slipping down the handicap with some modest runs over fences before a wind operation early this year. His comeback run was marred by constant left-hand jumping, resulting in another 5lb off his mark. Another with the ability if we can find the key.

Black Gerry had a good spring in 2023 winning his last two races at Ascot and Plumpton. He has been nowhere near that level in three runs over the winter, pulling up twice. A match for these at his best, we just have to hope he can rediscover the enthusiasm.

Iconic Muddle is firmly in the veteran stage but retains all his enthusiasm. Beaten by half a length in each of his two runs during the present campaign, he deserves a change of luck. It's a conditionals' race so Niall cops a "buckshee" 3lb riding for us. That could make all the difference.

Ex-French Running The Game won well around here two runs back in a novice and didn't run at all badly in his subsequent effort when 4th also here. Each-way chances.

Star Of Sussex has been right out of form over the past nine months and only now is his mark coming down at all realistically. First-time cheek-pieces added to his lowest figure yet might bring some response.They will need to.

Heaven Smart is clearly potentially a better chaser than he was a hurdler, winning at the 4th time of asking after previously never having won a race. His four-length victory at Kempton has been interpreted by the handicapper as worthy of a 9lb rise, so while we're hopeful, that's a fair old jump.

All Authorized didn't get a run last time at Sandown finishing 4th of 5 but not far back. It's amazing how often coming up that hill, there's trouble from horses running around. This level track poses fewer problems of that nature and he should run well.

Hermino AA ran a brilliant race when 2nd to Saint Davy in a valuable race at Sandown last month. Raised 3lb, he could still be very much one to note and we're hopeful he can gain his first win of the season.

Crescent Lake had an excellent spring and early summer winning three times at staying trips. He didn't run again after his sole disappointment at Sandown in August and this is a competitive field in which to start back. Interesting.

A win on debut and three 2nd places did not suggest exceptional ability in Ballybentragh's career in Ireland but he made an immediate impact in a Sandown novice hurdle last month. He has a penalty to defy but we were delighted with last time and are hopeful he can keep his unbeaten UK record intact.

Issar d'Airy has definitely been going the right way since switching to fences this season. He's won twice at 2m both here and now stretches to 2m4f, which was the usual trip when hurdling last term. The hat-trick beckons.

Yellow Star narrowly beat an odds-on shot from the Skelton yard at Lingfield last month. He faces a stiffer test today but is on the upgrade and can go very close.

Daphne May had a very busy 2023 winning four of 15 starts. She fully deserved her winter break but is back in this apprentices' race where Anna, who won on her at Epsom in August, can claim 7lb. Might be better than her massive odds.

Platinum Prince might well have finished closer last time at Lingfield. His run on the final day of 2023 suggested there are more wins in him, hopefully starting tonight.

Odin's Quest ran well at Taunton last time when his creditable 3rd of 15 might have been better with more fluent jumping at a crucial stage. This looks like a good opportunity.

Two in this handicap. Capricorn Prince has been a regular winner for the stable with eight successes on his card. He's been off for five months and may well need this to sharpen him to peak fitness.

Cosmic View, our other runner, was kept to hurdling after his July sales recruitment from the Crisford stable. He made little impact in that sphere, so far anyway, nor was he competitive on his last run on AW. He should be more attuned tonight, but again he needs to improve a fair bit to win this.

Kumari Star made his debut for the stable last month and finished last of 10. We're hoping for better in this 0-50 Classified, but he'll need to improve a good deal on what he's shown so far. It's only been enough to earn a 48 rating.

Parikarma is a consistent mare, who didn't join us until the age of five in the summer of 2022. She won two to begin with and then switched to hurdles, she has recorded two wins and three places. Tough as old boots, she has plenty of weight but in a small field can go very close.

Hector Jaguen won at Fontwell last April but his two runs since returning in the autumn have been pretty dismal. He's top-weight but against a field of under-achievers, so maybe this will be his day.

Our other runner Sanitiser gets 1lb from Kotari but this 87-rated flat performer languishes on a jumps rating of 94. He ran well at Kempton behind Tapley last November and we've been of the opinion for a while surely that that class can come out at some time over hurdles. Hopefully, it might be today.

Two runners here and it's hard to be dogmatic about which will come out on top. Kotari has yet to win but ran several placed efforts on the flat for Jean-Claude Roget. He was well beaten in his first three hurdles runs for us, but got a lot nearer last time. Chance, but he has loads of weight for a maiden.

Inigo won his bumper in France more than two years ago and spent 2022 running on the flat once joining the stable. This season we've switched to hurdles and he made little show in his two starts. This is a big field and he might struggle to get involved at the business end.

After collecting his first chase win at Taunton, Abingworth was most unlucky to be caught on the line at Ludlow. He suffered more than enough interference to make the difference that day and hopefully, he can put that right with victory here today.

Kalif D'Airy did well in a novice hurdle at Newbury, finishing 3rd. He does have that hurdling experience advantage over the favourite but in winning two bumpers including a Listed, that horse may well be in a different category. We're probably the one he has to beat.

The Ron Do Ron is a Shadwell-bred son of Golden Horn. This bumper is usually very competitive and we'd love to see him challenging for the places in the closing stages.

Le Patron was going smoothly through the novice chase grades until running his first disappointing race in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at the beginning of the month. He gives weight away all round, but will probably enjoy the level Kempton track rather than the gradients of Sandown.

I was surprised that there was opposition in the market before Peking Opera's Sandown debut over jumps but in the end, he did it well. Fourth in the Irish Derby for Aidan O'Brien last year, he has that touch of class that might make up for his relative inexperience of jumping. Hopeful.

Mark Of Gold last ran in the Lanzarote Hurdle here six weeks ago and was a 33/1 shot. His jumping let him down even before he fell four out and it will need to be much slicker if he is to figure in this big field over the same CD.

Bridge has shown himself a more than capable handicapper despite being a 4yo, benefiting from the 12lb wfa allowance. A winner at Fontwell, then 3rd at Southwell he looks to hold a strong each-way chance.

Non-runner

It's coming up to two years since Ballybay made his first appearance at the Punchestown Festival, starting favourite for a hot bumper when trained by Willie Mullins. Off the track for 20 months before his stable debut, his two runs have not shown too much but we have to live in hope that there's plenty to come.

Walk In The Wild has much more experience over fences than our other runner in this handicap chase. He has had a wind operation since the latest of his two 4th places and he deserves to be regarded as our number one here.

Two in this open handicap chase and the 5yo Executive Pool has a lovely low weight. It is only his 2nd try over fences and it's reasonable to expect an improvement on his debut 7th of 9 here two months ago.

Cephalus won nicely at Lingfield in December but has been narrowly beaten twice since when favourite. His mark is significantly higher now but if he gets the run of the race he ought to collect in this company.

Kumari Star only managed to beat one horse home in his three runs before joining us and first time at Lingfield last month, it was the story as before. We have done well in 0-50 Classifieds over recent times but he looks to have plenty on even to make the first four.

Full Back missed his race at Sandown last week. He fell on his return to action last month and that followed 15 months off the track. Feeling our way with him this season.

Larry got back on the winning trail in a small-field handicap at Fontwell. In the veteran stage now at 11, he still has plenty of fire and has a liking for Ascot too. Looks a big price.

Botox Has made a winning seasonal return in a Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby and while he probably hasn't matched it on either of his subsequent appearances, they have both been in top company. He has won here in the past and on ratings is the one they have to beat.

Teddy Blue has yet to match last season's form in his four runs this year, but there were glimmers in his 6th in the competitive Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. If he maintains the improvement he would have an excellent each-way chance here.

Salver has been taking sure steps in winning all three juvenile races, last time easily winning the Coral Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. We have a good record in this race and on form, Salver is certainly the one to beat.

Goshen hasn't been at his best lately and we're trying blinkers to see if they motivate him. His only two visits to Wincanton have brought wins in this race (easily) in 2021 and more workmanlike the following year. He'll be going his favourite way round so there's always hope.

Zhiguli had a nice win at Sandown last March but since returning this season has not been in that form, brushed aside by his sole rival at Fontwell in December. He'll handle the ground and the hope is that first-time cheek-pieces will make a difference.

Officer Of State won at Fontainebleau in October on his final start on the flat for Andre Fabre. The ex-Godolphon horse showed improvement from first to second start over jumps since joining us, but will need another big step up to figure today.

The Kayf Tara gelding Lumi Plugin made a promising start in his bumper at Fontwell. He showed plenty through the race until running green and fading late but he will know much more about it today.

The novice handicap chase at Newbury in which Invincible Nao finished 4th to Abuffalosoldier may have carried the same 0-120 bracket at this open handicap chase, but the former ordinarily would be a far tougher contest. Before that, Invincible Nao was a close 3rd at Lingfield, a track that should ready him for a spin around here. Big chance of a first chase win.

Hudson De Grugy made a promising comeback over an inadequate 2m of this course in December. On last season's form, when his victory came at 2m4f here, three miles should be his metier from now on. He could be hard to beat.

All Authorized won his bumper on career debut last April but his three runs since have been less encouraging. He should be better equipped when handicaps come along.

After a promising stable debut 6th at Newbury and a 2nd at Lingfield, Celtic Ned hasn't really gone on from those runs in his last two. Now at the bottom of this handicap, though, he must hold at least an each-way shout.

Time To Dazzle had three educational runs at Newbury last season. His opening mark of 94 didn't look too demanding and he made a good start to handicapping when 2nd at Uttoxeter. Raised 1lb for that, this looks a good opportunity.

Sangiovese showed improved form to win nicely at Southwell last month. The way he was finishing off that race suggests this little extra distance will probably play into his hands.

It's almost two years since we last saw Call Off The Dogs. That was a winning run and he seemed to be on the upgrade, but it would be an excellent achievement if he could win this first time back.

Walk In The Wild probably has the best chance of our trio. On a good run last season, since his return, two 4th places in three runs weren't eye-opening, but he's had a wind-op since and that might push him on.

Flamelco is one of three for us in this trappy 0-105 chase. A fall and a pulled-up sit either side of his decent 3rd at Lingfield. Potential, but not consistent as yet.

Despite the narrow gap between his hurdles and flat marks, recent evidence suggests the handicapper has got matters in hand. Second the last twice, he's been raised  4lb for his latest effort, but we're confident he can give this field plenty to think about.

Tara Iti is finally down below his latest winning mark of last summer. We're taking off 10lb for our young claimer who has had just a handful of rides. Two non-runners here so he should get in the frame.

Casa Loupi last showed any form over jumps almost three years ago and is living on his more recent 3rd over 2m on the flat at Nottingham last spring. Chasing looks like a nice option and if he takes to it first time, he could handle this sort of opposition.

Movethechains romped back to form on his favourite track last month, adding a first win over 3m5f to his course four-timer over 3m here two years ago. We're staying with the longer trip, albeit with a rather tough 9lb rise, but we hope we have the winning formula with him once more.

Yellow Star ran a very promising 3rd to the highly-regarded Paul Nicholls/Sir Alex Ferguson et al Kalif Du Berlais at Kempton as an 80/1 shot. That was his hurdles and stable debut. This company should be more to his liking. Each-way chance.

We run two in this and both on their 2nd jumps run having started out on the flat. Master Chartwell is rated a few pounds lower, but his first hurdles run was something of an impossible task, lining up alongside our smart dual-purpose horse Junkanoo. He should have benefited from that run.

Kotmask has been pretty consistent since going over fences and seems to be on the upgrade judged by the style of his latest win at Sandown. Raised 7lb for that, he meets other in-form opponents in a small field, but we're very hopeful he can maintain the progress.,

Inigo won a short-distance (1m4f) bumper on his only start in France but as yet hasn't shown much aptitude for hurdling. Looking for a run closer to the principals than he has managed so far.

We were hoping Aviles would end his sequence of five 2nd places in a row at Fontwell two months ago, He was odds-on to do so - and pulled up! Back from a break, with only three opponents, and back in trip, this could be the day!

Spirit D'Aunou came through the juvenile NH programme last season and it certainly instilled a winning attitude. He has improved greatly this season and in one of our favourite races, can give a good account after his easy win last time at Sandown - despite the 10lb rise.

Yorksea has the talent for races of this nature - he was 4th in it a year ago - but in two appearances this season he has refused to race. I'm sure if he did condescend to start, he would be right there at the finish, off his mark.

Non-runner

Ballybay is ex-Willie Mullins and started favourite for a 23-runner bumper at the Punchestown Festival last April. His 7th wasn't as expected and he was beaten a long way in his debut for us over hurdles at Sandown. He will probably do better here.

Stormingin is a sprightly veteran whose job nowadays is to give experience to young riders in the yard. Ella has had one ride so far so will learn plenty from her mount who knows his way around here and has won twice including at this trip over the past year.

Iconic Muddle is an 11yo but he showed no sign of diminished ability on his return to action last month after a break. He was 2nd in heavy ground at Wincanton and now gets 17lb plus Caoilin's 3lb allowance from Black Gerry. Decent chance.

Two in this and a wide gap in the weights. Black Gerry carries 12st2lb. He hasn't quite got back to last season's form and weight-carrying won't be easy today. Looking for an improvement on what we've seen so far.

Four non-runners put a different slant on this handicap chase. Heaven Smart was a beaten favourite and slightly disappointing last time, but has heavy ground form. First-time blinkers can help get him over the line in front.

Parikarma has been ridden recently by our 10lb claiming rider Rob and they clicked together last time in a claiming hurdle at Leicester. Up in class here but with her mark unchanged, she can be a threat as he takes off 10lb still against other conditionals. Hopeful.

Abingworth is shaping up as becoming a better chaser than hurdler. He gained his first win over fences last time at Taunton, for which he has been raised 7lb. Hopefully, he can overcome that in what is a very trappy handicap chase.

Royal Way has improved from race to race over hurdles, getting his first win by a very wide margin on this course. He had shown decent form (winning over 1m5f in soft) from only three runs in France and will provide a big obstacle to the Nicholls horse.

Time To Roll is a gelded son of Time Test who has a nice draw in three on debut. The standard of the field is difficult to assess. No doubt, we will know more about that when they run! Hoping to see promise for the future.

Non-runner

Hermino AA had a great novice season but has struggled this time around and after a better effort when 3rd at Cheltenham, was beaten a long way in the Lanzarote last month. May need a few pounds off his mark before getting back in full swing.

Le  Patron took a while to get into racing over here, but this season has brought a massive improvement and three runs over fences have yielded as many wins. Last time he won the 2m Henry VIII Novice Chase by  1.5 lengths from Colonel Harry and they meet again on the same terms. Both his earlier wins were at this longer trip, so we have to be optimistic.

Diplomatic Ash progressed nicely with each run in novices and now goes straight into a handicap on the back of a rallying 2nd over this trip at Plumpton. He meets much more experienced rivals, but can make a mark and hopefully, get in the money.

A Listed winner over 1m on 3yo debut for Aidan O'Brien and 3rd in a Group 3 on final start over 1m4f, Peking Opera was always going to be hard to buy, but he came with Ryan's recommendation - he was on him for his last run. Hopefully, he can go very close as not many juveniles start when their flat mark is anywhere near 105. Looking forward greatly to the run.

Running The Game showed a modicum of his French ability last time with a fluent win on this track. That was in a 4yo and up novice over 1m3f and his rating has not been adjusted. Given the manner of the win, we have to be hopeful that there may be more to come and the extra furlong should be a benefit too.

Star Of Sussex had a poor 2023, including running once over hurdles without making an impact. He started the New Year more auspiciously with a staying on 6th at Lingfield over 1m2f and just the normal continued improvement with an extra furlong on this track could bring him into the argument.

Non-runner

Non-runner

Alain was bought as a yearling in autumn 2021 and is the only newcomer in this five-runner line-up. The Jane Williams horse has shown good form to win a Class 2 race and the other trio all have been placed at least. Might be a tough learning curve.

We've found three to run in this trappy finale and Kotari has been the early market mover on the basis of his flat form in France. He's shown the odd spark in his three hurdle races for us, but seems in better form than our other pair.

Tara Iti won at Fontwell in the summer but has been badly out of form since. All three of ours have shown ability at times and frankly, I wouldn't be amazed whatever the outcome.

Privatory contines his rapid slide down the ratings. There was some excuse last time as he was hampered at a crucial stage but it's hard to be optimistic.

Junkanoo ran miles above expectations on his hurdles debut at Ascot and almost got the job done next time at Kempton. This looks a gilt-edged opportunity.

I struggle to see where Master Chartwell did enough in three runs to earn a 67 rating for previous flat-race connections. He showed very little on jumps debut and can hardly be put in the same parish as Jukanoo on form.

Jupiter Du Gite was a runaway winner at 66/1 on stable debut at Newbury late in 2022 and has been paying for it ever since. This could be a good time, with his mark dropping quickly, to try him over fences. If he handles them, it could be a case of them not seeing where he went, as on debut.

Lumi Plugin, whose older brother Jerrash runs in the previous race, makes his debut here. This looks on paper well up to standard for a Fontwell bumper and we'll be delighted if Lumi gets in the frame.

Jerrash won over the 3m1f at Plumpton last season but has been totally out of form since. He's another on whom we're trying first-time cheek-pieces and in his case, they could make an impact.

Jolyjump was beaten a long way in both his starts late last year. He's likely to find this opposition too hot. One for handicaps in his right grade later on.

Naturally High dead-heated over 2m3f here two runs back but although only raised 3lb, was comfortably beaten in 3rd at Huntingdon last time. An extra couple of furlongs and first-time cheek-pieces could supply the answer.

Johnny Jump Up ran two moderate races in Irish points and his inexperience will be a factor. A son of Derby winner Workforce, we hope he can show promise.

Botox Has beat Drashel Dasher at Wetherby for a first Graded win in November, but was only 6th in the Long Walk at Ascot behind three of these, Paisley Park (2nd), Drashel Dasher (3rd) and Champ (4th). Those three have been around at this level for some time and our boy has just joined the club this season. Don't be shocked if he gets in amongst them this time.

We were thrilled when Editeur Du Gite bounced back to his formidable self at Kempton over Christmas, completing the Desert Orchid Chase double. Last year he followed it by beating Edwardstone and Energumene in this race which as now has been passed on from Ascot to Cheltenham. Those two aren't here this time, instead it's Jonbon whose reputation we are aiming at. Marvellous if he does it; no problem if he's second - he owes us nothing!

Atwixaday was beaten less than three lengths back from a break at Chelmsford last time. That race was over slightly further than today's and he should go close if building on that latest performance.

Celtic Ned has put in three solid runs since joining us last year. He was a beaten favourite at Lingfield last time. and we're stepping him up half a mile today. Could be dangerous in a wide-open contest.

Since Robin's Dream won a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon just over two and a half years ago, he has only made it to the track once - when a well-beaten 3rd of 4 just over a year ago at Taunton. Likely to be better for the race.

Kotmask won at Plumpton in November under Jamie and didn't run too badly when a 16/1 chance and 4th at Kempton last time. At the bottom, of the weights, he has an each-way shout in a tricky handicap chase.

It's great to have the enthusiastic David Maxwell as an owner/rider in the yard and he paid 100 grand for Ballybentragh at the May sale in Doncaster. Placed in four points, he will probably need further, but that pointing experience will be an asset in a race like this.

Three runners in this and All Authorised, who won a Fontwell bumper last April, made a promising start to hurdling when 4th at Lingfield two months ago. He drops back to the minimum from half a mile further and that may suit.

As they used to say in the betting shops in the old days, watch your bets. Apart from All Authorised we have both Ballybay and Ballybentragh. Ballybay started favourite and finished 7th of 23 in the always competitive Pro-Am race at the Punchestown Festival last April. He moved after that here from Willie Mullins. Interesting.

Inigo easily won an AQPS bumper (1m4f) in France and was 3rd on UK and stable debut under his penalty at Market Rasen in May 2022. Coincidentally, like Aggagio, he has spent time at Goodwood, running in two novice races and finishing last in both. He's been off for more than 18 months so you could excuse him if he's ring-rusty.

The fact that Aggagio could be so competitive in classy Goodwood handicaps off 85 in the autumn suggests his mark of 117 jumping hurdles is still very much within his range. He won a nice race at Haydock on his last hurdles run last spring. The mark should be fine too if he can handle jumping fences and obviously, he wouldn't be here today if we had any reservations, so hopeful first time.

We bought Cosmic View from the Crisford stable in the summer and we've kept him to hurdling since. He's a maiden under both codes, with a best flat run coming over 1m4f at Pontefract. He needs to find something to figure.

Cephalus won nicely two runs back at Lingfield and then was worried out of it after a last-furlong battle at Southwell a fortnight later. He is up 4lb from that run and while he should still be a contender, it's hard to call him a good thing.

Kumari Star was totally unfancied on all three starts from the George Baker stable. He starts handicapping and for us from a low mark and the question will be whether he will have the experience to make the most of it.

Lightning Maqueen is a homebred gelding by Jack Hobbs. He will learn plenty from this debut at Newbury, an ideal track to introduce a newcomer.

Issar d'Airy returned from an eight-month break with an emphatic success over this CD late last year. It was his first attempt at fences and even under an 8lb rise, he should take all the beating. A horse with a future, we hope.

Invincible Nao improved greatly on his chase debut when a close 3rd at Lingfield last time. He's been denied a run or two because of abandonments since then, but from his place towards the foot of this handicap, he could be dangerous.

Kalif D'Airy started off in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham and coming down the hill, he looked likely to be concerned in the finish. He faded from then on though, but showed enough to suggest he could challenge for a place in this Junior NH Hurdle. Hopeful.

We run two here and Kadiwo is sure to be the outsider of the pair. His sole start under any Rules was when a remote 6th of seven at Ludlow and he needs to find plenty more to figure in this.

Officer Of State was picked up at the HIT sales from Andre Fabre/Godolphin. He was consistent in a few runs in France, finishing off with a win over 1m7f at Fontainebleau and a rating equivalent to 90. He looked novicey in a small field here on hurdles debut but I think we can expect a big improvement in this sizeable novice race today.

Larry has been a regular at the big jumoing tracks, this being his first run at a minor course since he was messed about and hampered causing Jamie to be unseated at Fakenham more than two years ago. On his day he would outclass these despite the big weight and two lesser runs so far this season.

Diplomatic Ash, a son of Doyen, went straight into hurdling at Newbury, starting off in a big field and showing some promise. He stepped up a good deal on that despite going off at 22/1 when 3rd at Plumpton last time. Similar progress from race two to three could propel him right into the action at the business end. Hopeful.

He's A Latchico is rated 84 on the flat and despite a couple of victories over jumps last summer, is remarkably well handicapped in comparison over hurdles. It looked as though he was going to take advantage at Sandown last month, but in the testing ground was easily caught by Classic Anthem. Value each-way here.

Those four wins in a row from Movethechains all over 3m here seem like an age away but it was only around the turn of the year 2022. His form since can be fairly described as abysmal, but if he is to start a revival, this surely is the most likely place it can happen.

It's 14 months since Full Back saw a racecourse and he was pulled up when favourite for the Southern National over 6f further at Fontwell. He has a massive amount to find with the principals here and we would be thrilled if he could beat one or two to pinch some of the lavish money on offer in this.

Head Over Hinds hasn't shown much talent in bumpers. We're taking the opportunity to start him in a selling novice race first time over hurdles and how he performs should guide us to where to go with him from now on.

Bridge made a big forward step last time easily winning a maiden hurdle at Fontwell. He runs in a jumps handicap for the first time, his 103 mark helped by the 13lb wfa advantage he has against older rivals. Going the right way and could be very competitive.

Home-bred Sangiovese did okay in his one bumper, staying on for 2nd in a four-horse race. He has shown only modest form in three qualifying runs over hurdles but is handicapped accordingly and going up in trip should be beneficial. Hopeful.

Star Of Sussex has struggled in most of his races, including the last twice tried over hurdles. The one bright spot on an otherwise disappointing time so far was a CD 3rd here just over a year ago. We hope coming back to Lingfield will bring some improvement.

Three line up for us in this valuable handicap hurdle. Hermino AA had a very good novice season and showed he was approaching peak form when 3rd at Cheltenham last time. That race was over three miles but the Lanzarote is always run at a fast pace and the 2m5f will take plenty of getting. Place chances.

The market seems to think Mark Of Gold is the most likely of our contingent and he certainly has a fantastic win record. Since he landed the odds in a flat race at Goodwood in early May, he hasn't quite hit the heights in two hurdle runs after the break, but he should be coming nicely to the boil. Hopeful.

Teddy Blue is the most established of the three from here in valuable handicap hurdles and boasts a 3rd place in last year's Betfair Hurdle. He was also very unlucky not to collect a Grade 3 handicap at Haydock in May when a last-flight blunder stopped him in his tracks. This season's form has been disappointing, but it's probably too soon to write him off, especially at 40/1 and with first-time cheek-pieces to help him!

Two runners in this novice hurdle and on their running together at Plumpton last month, Junkanoo ought to come out on top. Decent on the flat, he has made a bright start to jumping and deserves to get his head in front after two 2nd places.

Kotari was a long way behind Junkanoo when they competed against each other at Plumpton. He will fare better in handicaps.

Yellow Star was picked up at the Tattersalls HIT sale in October. He ran four times for Richard Hannon getting a 75 rating although that might have flattered him. He was gelded before the sale and we're looking forward to seeing him on he track for this hurdles debut.

Non-runner

Non-runner

Twenty Twenty went off at 20/1 in his last race, the 12.20 at Wincanton, and won easily. He now runs in the 3.20 at Huntingdon but won't be anything like that price. He looked good last time though and is fancied to go close again off 5lb higher.

After a couple of early disappointments, Soigneux Bell ran away from the opposition at Fontwell. Up in grade in this Listed event for juveniles, he faces a couple of promising types but will be there if they show any weakness.

Non-runner

Cosmic View meets his elders first time in a handicap and will enjoy the 13lb 4yo allowance. This is a big drop in grade having faced Burdett Road last time and while he lacks experience he could be a threat with his young rider taking off another 5lb.

Apart from a good effort on the flat at Nottingham in the spring, Casa Loupi hasn't been able to replicate his form of previous seasons over hurdles. His mark is coming down quite quickly, but it would be nice to see a glimmer of encouragement. Not easy under his big weight.

Naturally High dead-heated last time under a good ride from Caoilin who won the Welsh Grand National the following day. As he's riding for our stable in this conditionals' race he can claim 3lb and that's tantamount to free money! Very hopeful.

I think it's fair to say that Atwixaday's form deteriorated through his three runs last summer. Back from his break, he is on a low mark and we'll see whether the time off has been helpful. Hope so.

Running The Game has been beaten a similar exaggerated distance in his first two runs over hurdles since coming to the stable from France. He switches to the flat with a French rating from limited evidence equating to around 80 which would put him right in the thick of it here.

Non-runner

There were more than three years between Donald Llewellyn's first hurdle at Huntingdon and his second, a promising 5th of 17 in a very hot race at Newbury recently. Normal improvement will bring him firmly into the argument.

Parikarma won over hurdles last season and preceded her latest disappointment at Newbury with a good 2nd at Market Rasen earlier in December. This claiming hurdle offers a better chance than the handicap route and Rob's 10lb allowance is a big factor.

Saligo Bay is close to 80-rated on the flat so a jumps mark in the early to mid-100s ought to be within his capabilities. He took advantage of a drop into selling company to win easily last time, and hopefully, that will have clicked him into gear for the return to handicaps. Obvious chance if we see the real Saigo Bay.

Flamelco came to us in the summer of 2022 and until his last 3rd at Lingfield, hadn't really shown a lot. He handled fences well enough on 2nd try - he fell first time - and he may end up a better chaser than hurdler.

Diplomatic Ash made an encouraging first run on any racecourse when 8th of 18 at Newbury a couple of weeks ago, There should be plenty more to come from him, but he is catching up with a few of these. Each-way hopes.

Auhorised Speed was a smart novice hurdler last season and he looked to have taken that talent to chasing when making his debut at Ascot last month. Unfortunately, he came down two from home having all the look of a guaranteed winner and we are hoping he can put that omission to rights today.

Through The Ages was 3rd to smart Burdett Road at Huntingdon on debut. He took full advantage of that experience with a 15-length victory at Newbury and it would be  a big shock if he failed to win again under the penalty.

Cephalus bounced back to his old form in a previous stable when winning last time, benefiting from a course of treatment for ulcers. Up 4lb for the Lingfield success, he should have every chance of a follow-up, especially as he's a previous CD winner.

Now firmly in the veteran stage, Iconic Muddle ran some nice races in defeat last season at up to today's trip of 2m4f. A safe jumper, he can go well fresh, and again, a run in the first three would be a possibility.

May Fontwell maiden hurdle winner Angel's Dream has not come back since his break in the same form in three runs, although the signs were better with a respectable 4th at Plumpton. Now 2lb lower, if he can continue the improvement a run in the money should not be beyond him.

Royal Way was an easy winner of a 1m4f conditions race in the French Provinces last year. He far outran his odds when a 28/1 2nd to smart prospect Sir Gino at Kempton last week and has another Nicky Henderson candidate as the principal threat today. Hopeful.

It's often difficult to gauge the level of these NH Junior Development Hurdles but this time there's plenty of form to guide us. Kadiwo has a nice French pedigree and was bought at the 2021 yearling sale in France. He has shown promise at home and as these races are usually less demanding than juveniles open to flat-racers, we hope he can measure up and go close.

Non-runner

Stormingin was winning off slightly higher marks at the beginning of 2023 under today's rider. He tailed off a bit in the latter half of the year and now an 11-year-old, he needs to refind that to figure here.

Non-runner

Casa Loupi returned after an 18-month absence with a nice run when 3rd in a Nottingham handicap this spring. He then had some more time off this summer and hasn't really looked likely to win in two starts. It's worth remembering though that he was running from more than a stone higher before his big layoff and might be capable of a sudden return to form - which it needs to be of course.

We run two sons of Authorized, the Derby winner and a sire who has done well for us. We bought Authentic Legacy at Goffs May sale and like the other one, he has shown promise but first time out on heavy going will be a test against more experienced young horses.

Kalif D'Airy is also by Authorized and is from a winning French family. It will be interesting to see how well our pair cope with the ground in this Listed bumper against fellow 4yo's that already have some runs on the board.

Platinum Prince has not won this year, primarily on turf, but his close 3rd on his one AW run around here was possibly his best. He appeals as a good each-way shot following another two-month "freshener".

Issar d'Airy returns after his break dropping back to 2m having been racing generally over half a mile further. He showed plenty of pace in his first season and this winnable race will tell us whether to keep to the minimum or go back up in trip for the rest of this campaign.

Officer Of State starts hurdling in a hot enough Introductory Hurdle on unfavorable terms against three previous winners. A 90-rated last-time winner for Andre Fabre and Godolphin over 1m7f in October, we bought him soon after and we think he has plenty of potential. If he can finish close up it would make our choice of where to go next with him easy enough.

We've been delighted with Parikarma's progress both on the flat and over hurdles and she suggested there was more to come when picked off last time at Market Rasen. Rob did get into a bit of a tangle then, but young riders need to learn with experience and that's why he's claiming 10lb! I think they can do it together this time.

Non-runner

Nassalam ran a superb trial for this when romping home over 3m here earlier in the month. It's hard to see how 4lb more would have stopped him that day and the extra distance shouldn't bother him either, although the much bigger field can throw up some unexpected threats.

Editeur Du Gite won the corresponding race last year by 13 lengths from Nube Negra but was behind that horse when fading away at Cheltenham last time. He is 6lb higher this time after last season's exploits and he needs to get back to his absolute best to defy top weight here - Nube Negra's mark on the other hand is 10lb lower!

Salver is a half-brother to smart hurdler Saldier and has won both his starts over jumps in some style. Whether that puts him in the same league as Burdett Road is questionable, but you never find out if you don't try!

Royal Way won a minor event over 1m4f at a provincial track in France. His hurdles debut at Sandown wasn't straightforward and he needs to settle better to take a hand in what looks like a fair juvenile contest.

Yorksea ran well when 2nd at Goodwood after his break but blotted his copybook when refusing to race at Fontwell since then. Hopefully, that will prove to be a one-off and if all goes well this time he looks a value price. Chances.

Mark Of Gold won a couple of hurdles impressively last season and took advantage of a lenient flat mark to land the odds in a handicap at Goodwood last spring. He looked a bit rusty after his break at Ascot last month but should be sharper today.

Bridge has been struggling in the latter part of his races. He may need faster ground and/or probably low-grade handicaps to show his best.

Since Hector Jaguen won nicely around here in April, his jumping has become insecure. He again made a telling mistake on his comeback but if he can put that to rights, he would have a good chance of getting in the money.

Kotmask won nicely 2nd time out at Plumpton but then fluffed his lines at Sandown, eventually falling when well back. He gets weight from most of these and if he can polish up the jumping, would have a decent chance.

It's more than two years since Naturally High last won a race, like today's a conditional jockeys' handicap. He's been lightly-raced and pretty unsuccessful since, but is 8lb lower and the jockey can claim 3lb for riding for his own stable, so the prospects look promising.

Hansard was a determined winner at Newbury last time. He did well to concede 18lb to Bad, who didn't let the form down here yesterday. He carries the identical weight today but is up 4lb in the ratings. He's tough and likes to win.

Teddy Blue joins Hansard in this valuable handicap hurdle. He was running very well last season but he hasn't come back to his spring form in a couple of recent runs. Like Goshen earlier, it may be premature to ignore him. Place chances at a massive price.

Larry and three miles around Ascot are the best of friends. His last two wins have been over 3m here and in valuable races. He needed the return run at Sandown and should be back on top form here.

We run two in this three-miler and Botox Has and Goshen could hardly be more different. While Goshen has his quirks, Botox Has tries all day as he showed with an emphatic comeback win over Red Risk at Wetherby. There might not be much between them today.

For much of his career Goshen has reserved his best runs for right-hand tracks. Now even that bias has been diluted with a couple of poor runs. It might be early to dismiss him, but he certainly needs to give himself a kick in the pants.

Black Gerry ended last season with an emphatic win over this track and followed up a few days later at Plumpton. We gave him a stern task in his seasonal debut in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and he will be fitter for this rather less demanding race. Could bounce back.

Willoughby Cleeve starts his career in possibly the best bumper of the season so far. He wouldn't have been there if he hadn't shown us something at home, but that's a big stretch from beating these previous winners first time out.

Time To Dazzle started nicely when 5th at Newbury but didn't match that in his two latest efforts in his first season. He starts handicapping here and would be dangerous if running to that first performance. Each-way chance.

Poncho was progressing nicely as a novice, beating useful Topley at Plumpton but falling heavily in his last run of the season. He was still in contention on his comeback run around here when coming down again and will need to take more care of the obstacles if he's to achieve his full potential.

Authorised Speed had an excellent novice hurdle season, winning three of five emphatically and only coming up short in two top events, including last time at Aintree. He's always seemed a potential chaser and this debut will go a long way towards letting us know whether we're right about that.

Fifty Ball is still paying, handicap rating-wise for his last win in March of last year around here. He drew a blank last winter and has had a couple of runs without suggesting a win is coming any time soon this term. Needs to find more.

Miller Spirit has been very consistent and is probably a little unlucky only two have won once so far. Anna can claim 5lb in this apprentices' handicap and she is sure to give him a competent ride. Each-way chances.

In The Air made a good return when 2nd at Huntingdon in October but found things happening too quickly for him at Sandown. I thought at the time he might need a longer trip but he's top weight in this two-miler and we'll just be hoping the last time was simply an off-day.

Master Chartwell was unplaced in three runs for Ed Bethell, since when he has had a wind-op and been gelded in that order.  His mark isn't a gift and we'll be watching carefully to see whether the handicapper has been kind or has overrated him.

Jolyjump has a nice French jumping pedigree. He never showed over 2m at Kempton last time and should enjoy the longer trip here.

Cephalus, once rated 77 when with Charlie Hills,  has not figured much in his runs for us so far despite showing the odd gleam of promise. Down to his lowest mark and from a good draw, we're hoping for an improved showing.

Pyrotechnic is the most logical of our trio in this novice hurdle. He came from an online sale in the summer and shaped nicely when 2nd at Lingfield last month after pulling hard early in the race. He should improve but in this big field, there are sure to be several contenders.

Donald Llewellyn is better known as a regularly-winning Kempton AW specialist nowadays, but he did have one run over hurdles when he shaped with some promise at Huntingdon more than three years ago. Looks like a tough re-introduction.

We run three in this and Diplomatic Ash makes his debut under any Rules. He has the pedigree of a top-class chaser with Minella Indo the Gold Cup winner close up on the dam's side. Looking forward to seeing him on the track.

We didn't realise it at the time, but Through The Ages was taking on a smart performer when 3rd to Burdett Road on hurdles debut at Huntingdon. We can expect an improvement from the son of Golden Horn, who performed to a fair level for Charlie Appleby. Hopeful.

Walk In The Wild won his first two races over fences after arriving from Oliver Sherwood at the beginning of last season. His form has tailed off since though and he needs to pick up on his runs this term to get involved today.

Stenatee won his only flat race in France by a wide margin but hasn't looked a natural so far in two tries over hurdles. He will be eligible for handicaps after today and the hope is he shows more aptitude for the job here.

Aggagio ended last jumps season with a valuable win in a handicap hurdle at Haydock. He's been running respectably all summer on the flat and now begins steeplechasing off what looks a workable mark. A sound jumper of hurdles, we have to be hopeful he can cope with the bigger obstacles and must be in here with a shout.

Twenty Twenty has won races in the past, but this season his form line is more one of letters than figures. He did complete last time, though, and if he did get back to his best would have each-way chances.

Tara Iti, who completes our trio, is yet another that has not matched last season's consistent form. His latest two 4th places have been only reasonable and he needs, like the other pair, to step up on what he's been doing.

Privatory has never got anywhere near the merit of his first run for the stable at Sandown in March last year. His mark has dropped 35lb in the interim, without too much sign that the slump is about to be halted!

Angel's  Dream, one of three for us in this, signed off with a win around here in May but his two runs back have been modest. He needs to get his act together.

Movethechains has not really got back to the form that brought four Lingfield 3m wins in a row around New Year 2022. He shaped a little better last time and we're taking 10lb off his big weight. Can do better still.

Jack Sparrow Grey ran promisingly in a Sandown bumper on racecourse debut. It's straight over hurdles now when he can run over a longer trip. Hoping for a decent start to jumping.

Two in this and all eyes will be on Junkanoo after his extraordinary performance first time out at Ascot. He got within a couple of lengths behind a Nicky Henderson previous winner and should enjoy this easier company.

Kotari backs up Junkanoo in this. Placed a couple of times for Jean-Claude Rouget, he has raced once over here but unlike Junkanoo, was beaten a long way. We're looking for an improved display.

Running The Game had some placed form on the flat in France, but tired very quickly to be well beaten on hurdles and stable debut when 3rd of 4 at Fontwell. The experience will not be lost on him, but he has a fair way to go to match a couple of these.

Hermino AA was progressive and consistent in his novice season over hurdles. We were hoping for a similar upward trajectory switching him to chasing this season, but his jumping has let him down both times. He's therefore back over the smaller obstacles today and can run well at a value price.

He's A Latchico looked home and hosed last week at Sandown until the winner powered past him up the hill. It was his best effort yet and with a flat rating as high as his, there's plenty of room for further improvement at this game. Should be hard to beat.

Aviles has made a promising start to chasing, albeit adding another 2nd place to his unbroken sequence for us. Beaten a pixel last time, surely this will be his day.

Soigneux Bell hasn't been the instant success over hurdles we were expecting and didn't seem to get home either time. He could be one of those French imports that takes a while to show his true ability.

Contrasting results on different ground on his first two runs this term at Ascot for Zhiguli, the first on a more suitable surface easily the better. Three runners in this make it a good opportunity.

Stormingin won a couple around here early in the year and the 10-year-old is a wonderful schoolmaster for our young riders. Georgie was 2nd on him at Brighton two runs back, but his best form is here and he must figure with a chance in this amateurs' handicap.

Heaven Smart has made a promising start to chasing, finishing a close 3rd in a big field over this CD last time. A maiden although with a couple of 2nd places over hurdles, he shapes as though this will be his metier.

We run two here and the obvious better chance is with Kansas Du Berlais. He won twice impressively around Fontwell in the spring before finding the big 2m novice final at Sandown a step too far, despite being the favourite. He can be excused his comeback run at the same track last month, but may enjoy this track more and gets a hopeful vote.

Naturally High won his last two races at the end of 2021 but was then off for more than a year. He struggled in three runs last season and now makes another comeback after the latest break. The earlier form would give him a chance.

Celtic Ned showed promise when running in good class on stable debut at Newbury and built on that last time in a novice hurdle here. His mark of 112 reflects that, but he is improving and will make a bold shot at conceding weight all round.

Executive Pool has not always been the most accurate jumper of hurdles and also pulled up last time over 2m7f. He's back to the minimum first time over fences and as only a 4yo he gets a 6lb allowance from his elders which should be a help.

Head Over Hinds has had a couple of runs already, unlike most in this bumper. A son of Champs Elysees, we think there is more to come from him, but whether that will be today is uncertain.

Haddex Des Obeaux is such a brilliant jumper of fences that it was a big shock when he fell at the final fence at Cheltenham after running a big race on his return to action, probably through tiredness. He's shooting at the stars with Jonbon and Edwardstone, but he was moving quickly up the ratings last year and sometimes surprises can happen.

Spirit D'Aunou will be the shorter-priced of our pair in this, his career having progressed so far in a much more normal manner, if four wins in a row can be described as normal. The run ended on comeback but 4th at Cheltenham was acceptable and he had a bout of the too-frees that day too. Can go well today.

We run two in this good handicap hurdle and Jupiter Du Gite is still paying the price for his long odds debut spreadeagling win at Newbury last season. Pulled up his comeback, we just need him to start showing some sort of restraint and running a more conservative race. Talent in abundance - he just needs to learn to use it!

Le Patron has won both his races over fences, He is a long way behind some of these on his official rating, but he has plenty of potential and I'll be surprised if he didn't outrun his odds.

Nassalam ran on strongly for 4th over the Grand National fences on his comeback in the Grand Sefton last month. He goes well in testing ground and must have a big chance even with his big weight.

Goshen always enjoys going right-handed and loves Sandown. The switch of the Fighting Fifth is at the mercy of the weather. It's on (for now) and with Nicky deciding not to risk Constitution Hill, we must come into the argument.

He's A Latchico is potentially very well handicapped over jumps when you consider his mark is only 15lb higher than his 86 flat rating. He ran very poorly on his recent return even though fit from running on the flat, so for now the Jury's out on him.

Kotmask has returned this season in good form and won very easily at Plumpton last month. He's 8lb higher today and the rise in his mark might bring our duo close together.

Two runners here and Hudson De Grugy is the one without a run this season. He won and then pulled up in races around here on soft ground in the spring and has had a wind-op since. There might not be too much between the pair. 

Royal Way won on the last of three runs on the flat in France. That was on testing ground, so he should be equipped for today's conditions. First time out over jumps, though, is the uncertainty.

Big Bard won three times during the main turf season and wound up with a fine 3rd in a good handicap at Newmarket. This looks within his scope after a break and he rarely gets beaten very far when he doesn't catch the judge's eye. 

Star Of Sussex had an underwhelming season on the flat this year and his debut run over hurdles at Wincanton six weeks ago was pretty disappointing too. He has been given plenty of schooling since and you would normally expect an improvement with the run behind him.

Parikarma blew the cobwebs away with a run at Windsor after her six-month break but switched back to hurdles, she was soundly beaten over 2m3f at Taunton. She may well be happier back at the minimum and hopefully, she will show more this time.

Hansard ran into a decent type in Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, but finished a good deal nearer to him than at Kempton last season. This was an encouraging first start and should put him right for what is a demanding initial foray into handicaps. He should run another good race.

Non-runner

Another double challenge. Flamelco has yet to make an impact after four runs since arriving from France and wasn't foot-perfect before eventually falling at the 9th fence at Fakenham on chase debut. He's high in the weights and we need to see him complete before expecting a win.

Our other runner Icare Grandchamp tops the weights, again assessed on form in French hurdle races. He did run 2nd at Fontwell in September but then ran poorly at Plumpton the following month. Might come out the better of the pair.

Abingworth showed he was going the right way over fences with a good runner-up spot on just 2nd start behind smart recruit Regarde. Top-weight won't be easy but he has the potential to handle this grade.

Invincible Nao made a promising start to chasing at Kempton the other day, but this looks a tough field. We'll be delighted if he could finish in the first three of a tight contest.

I think it's fair to say Celtic Ned ran better than we expected when 6th of 13 on stable debut at Newbury. We are hoping for an improved run to give him each-way chances.

Sangiovese was 2nd in his sole bumper for us but did not really progress from first to second run over hurdles, both at Plumpton this autumn. He looks one for low-grade handicaps.

We run two in this handicap chase and neither has been in the greatest of form. Heaven Smart was a close 2nd in heavy ground on this track almost a year ago in a handicap hurdle but has struggled since. We'll be hoping for an improvement as he gains more experience of fences.

Twenty Twenty, our other runner, did win a chase two seasons back but has been lightly raced this year and has failed to complete on all three starts. Needs to show something.

Executive Pool won a novice handicap hurdle in the spring. He's had a couple of unremarkable runs so far but first-time cheek-pieces and a valuable 10lb claim in this conditionals' race might revive him.

Jolyjump is a 4yo newcomer by top jumps sire Kapgarde. A French-bred, he has been through a sale ring three times already, dropping below his yearling sale price in France of 45k to 40k in Ireland at last year's Land Rover sale. This looks like a tough enough debut and we'd just like to see promise for the future.

After winning a handicap hurdle off his high mark last season, we switched Jerrash to fences for one run in May and he finished an outpaced last of 4. He comes here after a six-month break still very high in the handicap and we'd like to see more of his hurdles ability as his chase career proceeds.

Salver showed little in his one run in Italy in the spring but revealed a completely different level of ability when winning comfortably on his hurdles debut at Warwick this month. It's hard to defy a penalty in these races if there's something unexposed lurking, but we have to be hopeful.

Goshen gets to go the right way round on one of his favourite tracks and this looks an ordinary field for the grade. Big chance and fitter for the run round in the Cesarewitch.

After Soigneux Bell's promising run on the flat at Epsom, we were hoping for a better debut effort over hurdles but his jumping wasn't up to scratch. He should be better equipped today.

Two in this maiden hurdle and Bridge is sure to be the bigger price of the pair after two heavy defeats in juveniles. Next time we see him will probably be in a handicap.

Poncho won once in five hurdles starts last season, but didn't reappear after an early fall on his final outing at Newbury in March. He's at the opposite end of this handicap to Mark Of Gold and could well run into a place on his best form.

Mark Of Gold won three of his six hurdle races during last winter, in the process going up by 19lb in the handicap, before signing off in May with an odds-on win at Goodwood, taking advantage of his lenient flat-race mark. He is on a career-high for this comeback run, but when horses start improving, you never know their possible ceiling.

Despite winning nicely at Sandown in March, Zhiguli is 6lb lower than when pulling up in this race a year ago. That winner Your Darling, reopposes on 11lb worse, although he always runs well first time out. Zhiguli made a nice return here earlier in the month when 4th and will be fitter today. Each-way chances.

We look up against it with our representatives in this four-runner field. With Jamie out unfortunately, our two horses are both ridden by boys unable to claim because of the value of this race, Niall on Cloud Dancer and Caoilin on hurdles newcomer Junkanoo. The other two are both unbeaten and cleverly fit the race requirements so it will be an uphill battle for Cloud Dancer, even though he was quite impressive on his jumps debut at Newbury back in February.

Junkanoo is fit from a busy and rewarding year on the flat, ending up with a third at Windsor last month. He also won on the Thames-side track in May, but he will be at a big disadvantage in this company on debut.

It's a quick turn-around for Angel's Dream after last week's comeback at Kempton when he tired in the closing stages. A winner for us at Plumpton in May before going off for his summer break, he will be fitter for this hands and heels handicap and can hold each-way chances.

Semser has shown decent form on turf and all-weather in the second half of this year. He ran nicely after a short break last time and has the best form in this tight handicap over a CD where he's a previous winner.

Tara Iti is paying for his consistency - he's a four-time winner over hurdles - and is performing off a career-high mark. We're taking 10lb off for his young rider and after a couple of runs this season, he should be capable of going close.

Casa Loupi hasn't been the easiest to train and was off for around 18 months before returning for a promising 3rd on the flat at Nottingham back in the spring. There was another gap before his return to jumping at Plumpton and he backed out some way from home. He should be fitter today.

We run two here and of the pair, Pyrotechnic was a comfortable winner of an 11f race in the French Provinces. Well beaten on his UK debut last week, we will be looking for an improved performance.

It's a very similar story with Stenatee, a wide-margin winner of his only French race and then beaten a long way on his UK debut  Jamie reckoned he had run too freely that day and we will be looking for a more controlled performance from him.

All Authorized looked the part when he won his first bumper at Fontwell. We sent him to Ascot for a winners' race this month and while he finished 6th that represented a fair performance first time back after his break and under a penalty. This maiden hurdle, over further, should be right up his street. Each-way chances.

Non-runner

Kotmask was in good form early in the year and returned with a promising first run over fences when 3rd at Kempton last month. We have to be hopeful he can get back in the winner's enclosure here.

Hermino AA got only as far as the first fence on his chasing debut at Ascot where he unseated Jamie. He was a talented novice hurdler last season, but the main objective today is for him to get a clear round. Normally he is a very good jumper as he has shown in his home schooling.

Saligo Bay ran well in a claiming hurdle on his season's jumps comeback two weeks ago. Now he's in a seller and while Chris Gordon's horse has plenty in hand on the ratings, those are based on his form in Ireland quite a while ago. Saligo Bay won a flat race at Windsor off 76, so is useful on his day. We'll have to see.

Walk In The West won a couple of races around Lingfield at this time last year. He resumed with an unlucky run 11 days ago at Warwick where his chance was ended when another rival impeded him at the 2nd flight. He has a big weight but looks a class above these rivals. if fortune goes his way.

Running The Game was a summer sales acquisition from France where he was placed in one of three flat races. It appears that we've landed on a very modest affair for his first taste of jumping and if all goes well we have to be optimistic of a positive beginning.

Movethechains is another denied a recent run and his latest racecourse performance at Newbury where he was tailed off, offers little encouragement. But it wasn't all that long ago that he completed a quick four-timer, all over Lingfield's three miles in soft ground and he is equipped to go this far if he recaptures his form. The jury's out on him for now.

Just a three-runner race for Yorksea. On his best hurdles form he ought to be the one to beat but he did disappoint as last season went on. His 2nd on the flat at Goodwood last month offers rather more encouragement. Hopeful.

Aviles was denied a recent comeback run after an abandonment and comes here today having been 2nd in all four hurdle races for us last season. We're switching him to chasing where he will benefit from the 9lb weight-for-age allowance against his elders. If he handles the fences he looks dangerously weighted,

Kotari makes his hurdling debut after a satisfactory stable debut when 6th off 75 at Windsor last month. He was in the money in four of his six starts on the level in France and looks the type to do well over hurdles. Hopeful.

Black Gerry returns to action after a spectacular season in 2022-23. He won four of six starts, only disappointing when tried over further than 2m4f, and in the first of those pulled-up efforts, his jumping wasn't up to standard. Resumes in an always highly-competitive race and off a career-high mark, so it's tough enough.

Non-runner

Parikarma is a very likeable mare who made rapid strides in her first hurdle campaign last term with two wins and a couple of placed efforts in four runs. She has had a warm-up on the flat where she shaped nicely and can continue where she left off, although her 12st top-weight represents a tough return task here.

Once Issar d'Airy found his feet in the spring he won a couple of handicap hurdles and might have added another if everything had fallen right. Back from a break, we're hoping for continued improvement this winter. 

Home-bred Odin's Quest made a great start for Chris with a Huntingdon bumper win and added a hurdle success at the third attempt around Wincanton. His two handicap efforts on either side of his summer break around Huntingdon were far less impressive, but his mark has dropped and we can claim 3lb in this conditionals' race as Caoilin is riding for his own stable. Not the most consistent, but talented and liable to turn up when in the mood.

Fifty Ball was running okay in the spring and should be sharper for his recent run at Fontwell after his break. It's a small field and he ought to hold a good chance of getting in the money at least.

Abingworth was for the most part consistent and progressive with one win over hurdles last season. He made his chase debut at Fontwell the other day when he showed a tendency to jump left-handed. That wouldn't be helpful around Huntingdon, but we've schooled him since and are hoping for a better result.

Hector Jaguen collected an easy win at Fontwell after a couple of promising efforts but then failed to complete in his last two.  We will be looking for an encouraging start to this campaign.

He's A Latchico took advantage of some lenient handicapping over jumps compared with his flat mark to win two hurdle races in early summer. He backed that up with a win on the level at Sandown and now resumes over jumps, while higher, still potentially well-treated. We think he can complete the hat-trick.

Two runners here and Angel's Dream, who won a maiden hurdle on the last of three runs in the spring after arriving from France, is likely to be preferred in the market. He's in good form at home and we'll see if his initial handicap mark is realistic.

Our other runner Sanitiser joined from Archie Watson in the summer. Compared with his flat mark of 87, his hurdles rating of just 7lb more looks a gift, but as yet he hasn't looked like a likely winner. Maybe he'll take his chance now.

Framelco is another to struggle starting in the UK from a high enough mark based on French form. Top-weight against some in-form rivals won't be easy.

Invincible Nao won a race 19 months ago in France before arriving here and frankly, last season's results were ordinary. Another whose mark has slipped, so we'll be looking for some encouragement for the coming winter.

Pure Pubbles could be the shorter price of our two here and on recent form that's fair enough. He's fit from a flat campaign and while he's yet to win, the fact he's had a second around here, albeit a long time ago, is a plus.

Privatory made a bright start to his career over here but last season was a total wipe-out. The one saving grace is that his mark has slipped from 120 to 91 and it's a fresh season after his break and hopefully we can see something of that initial ability.

Jack Sparrow Grey is related to a number of bumper winners and it's a family we know well. We're hoping for a decent start to his career.

Larry was a late withdrawal eight days ago at his favourite Ascot but he also has decent form around here. This veterans' race is an easier opportunity than the Sodexho Gold Cup would have been and we hope he goes close.

Jupiter De Gite produced a totally unexpected debut win first time over from France at Newbury, setting off in front and never looking like coming back to his field. That impetuousness proved his undoing when asked to tackle the best juveniles, and hopefully, this summer might have calmed that aspect of his racing. Top-weight here won't be easy, but it should help us see where we are with him.

In The Air made a satisfactory return after his break at Huntingdon last month. This is a tougher race but he should be fully primed to give it a real go.

Stenatee won a conditions race in the French provinces on his only start 20 months ago by a wide margin. We've given him a wind-op and he wears a hood for this UK debut so will hopefully be ready to show what he can do. Interesting.

Le Patron was expensive to follow in his first season over here but made a winning return and debut over fences, spread-eagling a small field. He has been raised 9lb for that Fontwell success but we hope it won't be enough to stop his progress. He looks a nice recruit.,

Kansas Du Berlais was looking an expensive betting (and owning!) proposition after three short-priced defeats but he got his act together in the spring winning twice very impressively at Fontwell. His last-time defeat as favourite in the ultra-competitive Bet 365 Final here was understandable at the end of a busy season. We feel there is plenty more to come from him this winter, beginning now we hope.

Our Papa Smurf has fulfilled the required three runs in novices, the last offering a little encouragement. As ever, the question will be whether he's better or inferior to an initial mark of 54. His run tonight will tell us!

Hansard made a great start over hurdles upon joining us from Ireland last year, winning his first two at Huntingdon and Plumpton and then after one disappointment, running an excellent fourth in the Grade 1 novice at Aintree at the Grand National meeting. He has a bit to find on Rubaud on ratings but deserves his place in a select line-up.

Nassalam had a quiet second season over fences when his best run was 3rd of 16 Cheltenham on New Year's Day. After that, he was unplaced but not disgraced both at the Festival and also over the Mildmay course here at the big meeting in April. A sound jumper, we hope he will adapt to the National fences in the Grand Sefton. If he does, he could go well at a big price.

It was pretty much a case of all or nothing with Givega in his novice hurdle season as his form figures of 11P1P  reveal. The story goes deeper than that, though, as on his last appearance at Sandown, he bled from the nose. His wins were all impressively achieved but he's starting over fences against tough opposition and a run in the first three would be highly satisfactory.

Big Jimbo missed the whole of 2022 but came back this year with a very busy and productive season, equally comfortable on turf and all-weather. He returned after a short break with a creditable 2nd place at Kempton last time and while he hasn't run at Chelmsford before, there's no reason why he won't handle it. Hopeful.

Editeur Du Gite is still paying in handicap terms for defeating Edwardstone and Energumene at Cheltenham last January - he's 5lb higher even though that beaten duo turned the form around later. Conceding 16lb for instance to multiple winner Solo looks tough, but it's a good place to get him started for the season.

Semser developed a liking for Chelmsford earlier in the year with two wins at 10f. This comeback run after a couple of months off is over a mile and he might just find things happening too quickly.  

After a great four-in-a-row sequence all over 3m at Lingfield to end his previous season, Movethechains' latest campaign was a non-event. Again, like Fifty Ball he did put in one good performance, in his case a second going up to 3m5f at Lingfield, but two pulled-up efforts before his break leave more questions than answers.

Apart from a decent 2nd place at Fontwell in May, Fifty Ball's last campaign was one to forget. The good run did come at further than 3m while his modest comeback effort again at Fontwell was over an inadequate distance. On old form he could figure, but he needs to wake his ideas up.

Celtic Ned didn't run on the flat and was a 125/1 chance on his sole hurdles run for his previous stable, pulling up three out at Kempton. We're hoping he can complete and give the owners some encouragement for the future.

Donald Llewellyn enjoyed himself with three wins here this year between January and May, with only a 2nd at Wolverhampton and one disappointment on this track in between. He's back after six months in stronger company than before and also reverts to 1m3f whereas he was winning at 2m back in May. Interesting.

Walk In The Wild won first time over fences on stable debut a year ago at Lingfield over today's trip. His best subsequent run was over this CD when 2nd off 102 in late March before winding up with a 4th at Chepstow when the ground wasn't felt to be soft enough. Down to 100, he should enjoy conditions on his return after a summer break.

Twenty Twenty had been a regular winner in his career but after a year's absence, he has returned with two non-completions. We are hoping he gets further this time.

Clear Justice ran his best race yet when runner-up at Brighton. His 45 rating shows he is some way short of what was expected of a 30k yearling, but if he can build on the Brighton performance, there may still be a future for him.

Salver had just a single moderate run for previous connections in Italy. He is half-brother to smart hurdler Saldier and Jamie has chosen to ride him.

Two runners in this juvenile and Bridge is the one with experience. Rated 65 for his previous stable on the flat, he ran far too freely on that hurdles debut and needs to be more restrained if he is going to make an impact as a jumper.

Executive Pool was unplaced on his final start in May before his summer break but won the time before at Hereford. He has had loads of experience for a 4yo and should improve fitness-wise for the run.

It sometimes seems that no Plumpton or Fontwell fixture goes past without Tara Iti making an appearance. He was unseated here two weeks ago when he started making headway after running in the rear division. It was too soon to suggest he would have had a winning chance but he's an honest horse and always liable to get in the money.

Casa Loupi came back from an 19-month layoff after his latest run over hurdles with an excellent 3rd at Nottingham. He's been off again for another six months, and he's been given a chance by the handicapper, who has dropped him 8lb since that last run just over two years ago. Interesting.

Sangiovese was a bit free on hurdles debut following a decent 3rd in his sole bumper. That was over two miles here a fortnight ago and he will need to relax more if he's to stay another half-mile. Could be competitive if he does.

Cosmic View is a staying maiden on the flat and his two tries in juvenile hurdles have been very moderate. He needs a big step up to figure here.

Through The Ages joined us from Godolphin after he'd run a couple of times. He's had another run since for us but we feel his future will be over jumps and he's probably our better option in this.

Saligo won a flat handicap in the summer but his hurdles handicap mark is considerably lower than the 130 of the ex-Willie Mullins horse Foveros. I think we will do well to finish in the money.

We expected All Authorized to make a winning start in a bumper at Fontwell in early April and he did so in impressive style. He comes here as the only penalised runner facing some representatives of stables used to winning bumpers with debutants, but his experience could stand him in good stead up the finishing straight.

Another dual representation in this three-miler and Larry loves this CD and won this race two years ago. He usually runs well first time up and has the more solid profile of our pair coming into this valuable prize.

Zhiguli has a good winning record throughout his career but while he added a fifth success last season, most of his runs were way below that. Probably our second string here, but we're never surprised when he steps up.

We fancied Teddy Blue for a valuable handicap hurdle at Cheltenham eight days ago, but he got no further than the first flight in that conditionals' race. Jamie steps in today and if he can find last year's best form he will make them all go. 

Pyrotechnic won his maiden in France in the spring for one of the top stables. A gelded son of Nathaniel, he is bred to be useful and the signs at home have been positive. It's never easy to send one out to win first time, and these Ascot novice hurdles are always tough, but he goes there with hopes.

Botox Has was lightly raced last season with only four outings but he did win a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Haydock. He has a few pounds to find on official ratings with a couple of the more established senior runners, but it's not an insurmountable margin if he continues to improve as he did last season.

Magic Memories joins Alpha Crusis in a dual challenge for the yard. He's also a last-time-out winner, breaking his duck with a narrow win at Brighton. He is capable of getting in the money.

Alpha Crusis came back from a four-month break at Goodwood last month but showed no sign of rustiness as he came through to win comfortably from front-running Lunatick. He loves soft ground and this even more testing surface should be right up his alley.

French import Hermino AA was a very smart novice hurdler last season when his fast, accurate jumping was a feature of his performances. We've had no hesitation in sending him chasing and he's pleased us in his schooling. High hopes for a winning start in what looks a competitive race.

Heaven Smart has yet to win a race but he did run a good close-up 4th over half a mile further here back in April. He will need to be on his toes over the shorter trip and it is his seasonal reappearance too, so there should be improvement to come.

We run two in this handicap and Soto Sizzler probably is our main contender. A good 2nd last time at Epsom where he has run several good races over the years, he shouldn't have anything to fear from Newmarket - he won this race two years ago. Very much in the veteran stage but holds a big chance.

The Whipmaster had a great time in the summer of 2022, winning four in a row, and he picked up another victory this summer at Windsor. His form has not been quite so sharp since, but he'll handle conditions and may outrun his odds.

Big Bard has done well on turf this year,  beginning in late April when he won at Windsor, following up soon after at Brighton. He gained a third win in Nottingham in July following which he had a break before returning with a promising effort at Windsor after getting behind in a big field. He usually runs in slightly lower class but he shares bottom weight and in a wide-open race he must have his chance.

Non-runner - meeting abandoned after first race.

Non-runner - meeting abandoned after first race.

Yarborough was not too far behind some useful horses at Ascot on his 2nd of three qualifying runs and that's where they got a mark of 61 I assume. I hope they are right as I think there will be some improvement to come. Small each-way chance.

In The Air finished off a fairly quiet spring campaign with a narrow win at Fontwell. He's up just 1lb for that and in another small field, he has his chance.

Odin's Quest won on debut in a Huntingdon bumper, but his three subsequent visits, the last two over hurdles have been very disappointing. He did win his final race last season at Wincanton though, and a return to that form would put him here with an each-way chance.

Star Of Sussex showed initial promise on the level but his form in 2023 has been, in a word, dreadful. He has a pedigree packed with stamina, and ought to handle two miles over hurdles, but there are no relatives to encourage the belief he will adapt to hurdling.

After a debut defeat in a 3yo NH hurdle - which he avenged emphatically later on - Spirit D'Aunou was unbeaten in his last four runs in his first season. This classy 4yo novice is by far the biggest test he has attempted, with Paul Nicholls' horse the main threat. We hope he can take this step in his stride.

Haddex Des Obeaux was very impressive in his two latest chases last season. His spectacular jumping allied to front-running soon had his opponents in trouble and we'd like to think a similar outcome is possible even after a big hike in his mark. He gives plenty of weight to more experienced rivals, but we hope he can manage it with something to spare.

Teddy Blue was unlucky not to round out his second season's hurdling with a big pot at Haydock. Seemingly in control coming to the last flight he hit it hard and lost impulsion. Caoilin Quinn was unable to get him going quickly enough to retrieve the lost ground but he stayed on determinedly for 2nd. He's ready for a big run after his summer off and Caoilin's 3lb claim against fellow conditionals is a handy weapon.

Non-runner

Head Over Hinds was quietly fancied for her debut at Huntingdon in the spring but in a big field, she encountered trouble in running before fading in the straight. She will know much more about it today and there is plenty of improvement to come.

Tara Iti has become a stable favourite as he spends his time racing around here and Fontwell and never runs a bad race. Off bottom-weight here after a four-month break, he might just need this pipe-opener and 0-130 class may also be testing for him.

We've only managed to get In The Air on the track half a dozen times over the past 18 months since coming over from France. He has won a couple, though, showing he can run well after an absence. He won at Fontwell in May and on that form comes here with a decent chance.

Miller Spirit deservedly got his head in front two runs back but, stepping up last time to 1m6f at Haydock probably stretched him, although he didn't get the clearest of runs. Back at 1m2f, he has to be a contender with no worries about the ground.

We run two in this and Kotari, who has been off for a year since his last of six runs in France for Jean-Claude Rouget, is very much the second string. He's a Nathaniel gelding and his future is very much as a jumper. This will help us gauge where we have him.

Home-bred Sangiovese made a more than satisfactory debut when 2nd in a small-field bumper at Newton Abbot in July. He switches to hurdles and as a brother to our promising young horse Abingworth, should have a future at this game.

Parikarma did well winning her first two of three flat runs when joining the stable as a 5-year-old last year, both in October and the mare then also ran creditably in several hurdle races, winning once. She resumes on a fair mark and we're looking forward to another winter's jumping with her.

Kotmask was consistent last season, finishing runner-up in his last two. He returns after his summer break and hopefully, will be ready to make a serious challenge in this tricky handicap hurdle.

Soigneux Bell won his only race in the French provinces in May, over almost 2m  He joined us in the summer and delighted us with his good 2nd to the decent 3yo filly Strong Impact back to 10f at Epsom, conceding plenty of weight. He showed decent pace that day and has schooled nicely. Likely to come out best of our trio.

We run three in this juvenile hurdle. Bridge was bought at the July HIT sale and makes his hurdles debut here. Although a non-winner on the flat, he earned a rating of 70 initially and should stay the trip over jumps, being by Golden Horn.

Cosmic View is the only one of our trio to have raced over hurdles, finishing 4th on debut at Fontwell. He was beaten a long way that day and we are hoping he can improve on that today.

After a winter off, Larsen started 2023 well, justifying favouritism 2nd time out at Bath having had a warm-up run at Kempton. He's been nowhere near that level in four runs since and goes here from 7lb out of the handicap. Remote chance.

Magic Memories may still be a maiden after five starts but twice in the last three runs - both at Windsor - he's been close to the winners, finishing in the money. It will only need a small progression to break that duck and this looks a decent opportunity.

Decisive Call switched from Roger Teal in late summer and ran an excellent first race when 2nd around here last month. He couldn't match that run at Windsor last time, so questions remain about this five-times-raced maiden.

Two runners in this and Voodoo Ray has by far the better recent form. He had been running exclusively around here, with a couple of wins, until switching to Chelmsford for a bold 3rd last time, which offers hope for a solid winter campaign. Back on more familiar territory now, he could go very close.

Brilliant Blue has run 16 times without a win. He has yet to run over shorter than 7f even in his juvenile career so the drop to 6f here is something of an experiment. Let's hope it works.

Big Jimbo was running well early in the year, winning here and then after a break, also won one of three races around Bath. He returns to Kempton on a fair mark and I wouldn't be surprised if he went close as he's fresh and well after his latest eight-week break.

Saligo Bay has had a break since running twice in a short spell in early summer at Windsor, winning the first and disappointing as favourite in the second. He will be trying all-weather for the first time tonight and it will be interesting to see how he fares. If he runs well it would open another avenue for the winter.

Cephalus recorded a four-win spell in just 38 days for Charlie Hills around New Year 2021-22 but he hasn't produced anything like that since joining us. That falling mark is beginning to look tempting though and I'm wondering whether he might be on the verge of a form revival.

Asense has won her last three, enjoying soft ground, and now tries to complete the four-timer off 8lb higher than on the start of the run. She stays further but should be okay with conditions to her liking.

Fascinating Lips joins Asense in a dual challenge for this low-grade handicap. He tops the weights but he has come down 9lb since his last win just over a year ago. Dangerous with Tom taking the mount.

Junkanoo won easily over the course and distance on soft ground in May. He had a break after that and hasn't yet been competitive in two runs since off the higher mark. May need to come down a little more in the ratings but he will enjoy the ground.

Red Cloud has a nice pedigree but hasn't shown much promise on the racecourse. There were some excuses after his slow start last time but he needs to start showing much more if he is to make an impact here.

We run two in this trappy finale. Alpha Crucis won first time this year on soft ground at Windsor and has been off since June. He will enjoy the surface and hopefully, will be sharp enough after his break.

Platinum Prince usually competes at a lower level and looks very much our second string here. Anna continues to impress and will do her best to get her mount in the money.

We bought Sanitiser in the spring after he spent a disappointing season's jumping for Archie Watson which brought a hurdles mark of 94. Considering he runs today with a flat-race figure of 90, we're licking our lips at the prospect of sending him jumping, especially if he shows starting today, that he retains his old ability.

Yorksea did quite well in his 2nd season's hurdling, winning at Fontwell before a good 4th in the Betfair Hurdle. He ran in snatches when 5th, given a run on the flat over this course and distance in May. Jamie rides him in this race for pro jump jockeys when he will probably be better served by the soft ground.

We were delighted to win the Group 3 Fillies' race at Newmarket yesterday with sole runner Novus who has just been improving all year long. We run Goshen, who has become very enigmatic, especially over fences, and generally left-handed also over hurdles., Here he will only need to negotiate one right-hand turn, so who knows what he'll do, but he certainly has the ability in his locker. We just will have to wait and see which Goshen turns up.

Novus overcame a difficult run to win a competitive Goodwood handicap over a mile in soft ground and then improved again with a close 4th in a Sandown Group 3. She seems ready for the step up in trip and is right up there on official ratings with the best of these fillies and mares. Hopeful.

Reckon I'm Hot remains a maiden after 24 runs, although he has been placed in seven of them, including twice runner-up this summer at Brighton. He has plenty of speed, an asset that usually works around here and it could be his time at last.

Cloudy Breeze has been running well on turf lately over 5f. Six furlongs on this track should be fine, especially from a plum draw in one. Hopeful.

Star Of Sussex shaped okay in his second run last year, but otherwise, it's been hard work for him.  His initial mark of 75 looked harsh enough and after a gelding operation in the summer, he still struggled off 72. Down another 3lb, he needs to start showing something.

Larrsen won nicely at Bath back in April off his mark of 52 but has struggled from his higher rating in three runs since. He needs to find a fair bit to be competitive here, but it wouldn't be a total shock if he did.

Admittedly, Our Papa Smurf has been highly tried in his two runs to date, but they have exposed him as of only moderate ability at this stage of his career. We'll be hoping for rather more today but clearly, his future will be in handicaps in his own class.

Non-runner

Clear Justice beat only three of 34 opponents in his first four starts, including off 45 in his handicap debut. Held up, he improved to be 6th of 11 last time and another similar amount of progression could bring him into the argument in this very modest nursery.

Big Bard has had a great season winning three times, including back in April on this course and distance. Top-weight here, he still has the potential to defy it with another big run.

Decisive Call made a promising run, first time out for the stable when 2nd at Brighton. We were delighted as that was his first run in a handicap and was also a big step up in trip from 7f to 10f and we're going up another couple of furlongs again here. If he stays he should go close.

Abingworth made a good start to jumping last season with a win and a couple of places over hurdles. He returns in a novice handicap chase, with a mark of 99, slightly higher than his winning mark over hurdles, and with the same good conditional taking off 5lb. If he can jump on the track as well as he has at home, we would be quite confident of a winning return.

Fifty Ball returned after a break at the beginning of the year and after a busy albeit unsuccessful spell, ran his best race of 2023 on this track when 2nd in May. That was over 3m2f and he starts back today off over almost one mile shorter but he is versatile as to trip and we're hoping for a better start and more productive season this time around.

Le Patron made a promising start to his career here with an excellent 2nd as favourite at Plumpton, but in all honesty, he hasn't gone forward from that and has been very expensive to follow. He returns after a good summer break and the hope is he goes well in this four-horse affair. Certainly, his form in France before coming over would give him a real chance.

This doesn't look the most competitive juvenile hurdle we've ever seen. At the same time,  Cosmic View hasn't won in seven starts on the flat, but he had a couple of places for the Crisfords and is bred to stay. He has shown promise at home and in this company, that could be enough for him to make a winning jumps and stable debut.

Through The Ages had a couple of runs in March for Charlie Appleby, Already gelded. he started a short-priced favourite both times, so was sent to Ascot sales in June where we picked him up for 100k. It will be interesting to see where he fits with these, as several have excellent recent form. Probably a watching brief today.

Yarborough improved a good deal on his debut effort when not beaten far behind the placed horses as a 200/1 shot at Ascot. This looks a tough assignment, and Yarborough could well be one for handicaps later on.

We run two in this conditions race and neither would have an obvious chance to get close to the principals. Red Cloud was last of 11 on his only start to date and hopefully, will have learnt plenty from the experience.

Systemic hasn't shown much either in three runs on the flat since the summer or two over hurdles in the spring. This is a modest contest and while he has the ability to win it, you couldn't guarantee it on that recent form.

Asense took a while to get his act together but has done so with a vengeance with wins at Lingfield (1m5f) and then last month here over shorter. They have been narrowly gained so a 3lb rise for Lingfield was followed by just a single pound for the latest here. The handicapper is hardly punishing him and he gets a good each-way chance in a tight race. It's different ground this time, but he did seem to act on good to soft at Brighton last year.

Oj Lifestyle is still paying in handicap terms for his win at Newbury as a 2yo. Not exactly expected - he was a 125/1 chance that day - he needs some help from the handicapper if he is to be competitive.

Soigneux Bell won his only race in France, over almost two miles back in May, but as a result, he has to concede plenty of the weight to the favourite. He was bought with hurdling in mind, so anything he can achieve here today will be a bonus.

Soto Sizzler has plenty of good form around here in the past and we were encouraged by his excellent 2nd at Goodwood two runs back. An 8yo, he's still showing there's plenty left in the tank and we're hopeful he can take a hand in the finish today.

The Whipmaster didn't shine in the jump jockeys' Derby here last time and we're hoping for a better run, now in this apprentices' version around the Derby course. He had won and been 2nd earlier in the season, both at Windsor, and a repetition of either of those runs would put him in here with a decent chance.

Voodoo Ray has been confined to the delights of Brighton this year and in six runs he's won a race each at 7f and then 6f. He has raced only three times on AW in his career, all at the beginning of last year when rated considerably higher. Off his present mark of 51, he should be a big factor from a nice draw in three.

Miller Spirit won on second start after a gelding operation last time. It was the first time he'd even been in the frame, but his form was of a fair level and now he has that win on the board, there could be a fair bit to come. Hopeful.

Fascinating Lips ended last year on form on the flat and with a win over hurdles but hasn't matched it yet in three runs so far on the level this year. This is an uncompetitive race for Haydock, and it gives him his best chance yet to go close.

One Step Beyond has done well since joining the stable. He won two of four races under apprentice Anna Gibson, at Kempton and Ascot and I think you can excuse his only run since in a lady amateurs' race back at Ascot. Under the special race conditions, his very inexperienced rider Maddison Wright, who has ridden one career winner, was unable to claim against the best lady flat-race amateurs around. I think we can put a line through that and with Anna drawing the full 7lb still, he can go well.

We run two in this tricky finale and would be delighted if either got involved in the finish. Junkanoo is the more lightly-raced of the pair this year, having run only twice. He showed he can go well fresh when easily winning after a five-month break at Windsor in May, but following another three-month absence, did less well last time at Sandown on faster ground. Could be interesting with that run behind him and the ground in his favour.

Icare Grandcamp ran well on 2nd start for Francois Nicolle but did not impress in his three runs for us last year. Back after a nine-month absence, he showed he has potential with a close 2nd in a four-horse field at Fontwell. He should improve on that and could go very close today.

Non-runner

Trussst In Me achieved little in his runs on the level, but he has shown promise in his schooling sessions and might do better at this game. A son of Fast Company, he should be happy on the soft ground.

Sagano ran by far his best race since joining us from France when an excellent 2nd under his owner David Dunsdon in an amateur riders' race at Sandown last month. The owner is back on board again today and while this is probably a tougher handicap, he has a touch of class - as does his rider! - wo we're hopeful.

Lady Twilight showed her inexperience on debut at Kempton, fading in the closing stages. It will be interesting to see what she makes of heavy turf. One of the guaranteed outsiders, we would love to see her finishing close to the first half this time.

Brilliant Blue has yet to win a  race but he was a shade unlucky the last twice when first a slow start and then getting squeezed out at the start could have provided a first success. He has a nice draw here but will need to get away quickly from there as it's a big field.

Warning Sign ran well in an amateurs' race at Newbury but in the amateurs' Derby at Epsom under owner David Dunsdon, he found a couple of Irish runners much too good. Back with domestic opposition, he should feature as long as he handles the AW surface, only his 2nd try and the first didn't go too well!

Miller Spirit has yet to finish in the first three in any of his races, but has performed to a fair level in all of them and ran well again the first time after a wind operation. He can be a factor here with the latest run under his belt.

Non-runner

Cephalus won four races in succession around the turn of the year in 2021-2 including the last two at Newcastle. He hasn't shown much in his races for us and we're returning for the first time to Newcastle since the two wins in the hope of bringing him back to form. First-time cheek-pieces might help in that regard.

Voodoo Ray has been plying his trade here through the summer, winning over 7f and then showing excellent early speed to make all over six. This is another drop in trip but if he can get away quickly again, he could well be tough to peg back.

Platinum Prince hasn't quite managed to repeat last summer's good form when he won a couple of handicaps, but he has two third places on his card this year. Anna Gibson takes the ride and she is very good value for her claim, so hoping she can work the oracle.

Decisive Call didn't show too much for his previous stable in three runs to qualify for handicapping. We're trying him over further here in a race where we also run Platinum Prince.

Reckon I'm Hot is now up to 23 runs without a win, but he's gone close in 2nd a couple of times this year, his best effort being a photo-finish defeat on this course and distance in May. Each-way chances but it's hard to be confident with so many unsuccessful runs on his record.

When Clear Justice got his opening mark of 45 after three poor performances, we thought he could run quite well judged on his homework. That hope ended when he pulled too hard early at Chelmsford and now we're turning to first-time cheek-pieces to see if they help. In a word, he's been disappointing - so far!

Dirham Emirati has done well since starting to race at Bath, winning twice and then a good 3rd last time, all three under Tom. Now we're claiming 3lb for an in-form rider. and I'm hoping the widest draw doesn't prove too much of a handicap,

Capricorn Prince has continued to run well since the spring when he added a 3rd on turf at Bath to two 2nd places at Chelmsford. That spell represents a seven-month exile from favourite track Lingfield, the scene of five of his career wins and he'll appreciate being back there today. None of the successes has come at today's trip of two miles though and we just have to take his stamina on trust.

Brilliant Blue has been slogging away for three seasons but after 17 runs he still has yet to win a race. He was a good 3rd in a big field at Windsor two runs back but didn't build on that when a shorter price at Brighton. Being squeezed out at the start didn't help, but until he does win a race, he can hardly be followed with too much confidence.

Semser was a ready winner at Chelmsford four runs back but he hasn't matched that since. Rhys Clutterbuck rode him that day and is back on him for the first time since. If he could recapture that form, he would be a strong candidate here.

The Whipmaster has done well to win again this year after his four in a row last summer which caused a big rise in his handicap mark. As well as a win at Windsor in June, he almost added another last time there when narrowly beaten. Jamie knows him, of course, and will be looking forward to the ride in this professional jump jockeys' Derby around the full 1m4f Classic course. 

Soto Sizzler ran his best race since joining us this season when a good 2nd, albeit in a four-horse race at Goodwood. If he could recapture his best form, he would have a decent shout at the 51k first prize, but one of the minors would be totally acceptable too.

Like Fierce who runs 15 minutes earlier at Southwell, Daphne May has been a money-spinner for the yard this year. A beaten favourite when drawn awkwardly last time over the CD, she again has a massive weight, but should run her usual solid race. Each-way claims.

Fierce has been running well all year and while he was a beaten favourite last time out at Bath, he wasn't beaten far. In any case, he's probably better at 6f than the sharp 5f there and from an okay draw he should soon be in the thick of things. It's the last night of the Racing League and it would be lovely for the owners (one of them is me!) to get some of that nice prizemoney.

Icare Grandcamp had one nice place on his card in France, but hasn't matched that yet here. We'll be looking for a positive performance today after pulling up the last twice.

One Step Beyond has been very consistent this year and put in another good display when 2nd under his usual apprentice rider at Windsor. He now gets an even more inexperienced rider in Maddison, but she did win on her only previous ride this year for us on Stormingin. However, these are the best female amateurs around and it won't be easy despite his short price in the market.

Yarborough is a son of Kodiac but didn't show much when last on debut. This looks another thankless task and we're just hoping to see a glimmer of ability this time.

Our Papa Smurf was beaten a long way first time out at Sandown and while this is a Restricted race, he faces a few with marks already in the mid to high 80's. It looks a big uphill task.

Miller Spirit has had three 4th places and a sixth in his four runs, beaten a similar distance of around five lengths each time. His mark isn't lenient by any means but the hope is his subsequent gelding operation might make him that much more competitive.

Oj Lifestyle put up one of the more unlikely debut performances (especially for us!) when winning at Newbury at 125/1 last year. He hasn't managed to replicate that level since, although it didn't help his mark to win at that track or his later 2nd at Chelmsford off 90. Down a few pounds and with two runs behind him this year, we're hoping for a better showing today.

We were delighted when Asense gained a well-deserved first win after making all the running on fast ground at Lingfield last time. That was a 0-50 Classified and while she was rated only 47 and now has to race off 50 in this handicap, her task here is no more difficult. The slight drop in trip should not be a problem.

Larrsen put in an improved display to pick up a Bath handicap in the spring but his two runs since have not been anywhere near that. He needs to improve a good deal to figure here but first-time cheek-pieces could provide that little extra.

Trussst In Me starts handicapping after three runs. Her initial mark of 52 looks fair on what she's achieved so far, but we hope there might be a little more to come.

Aggagio has a great record around here and was a good second, having made the running in a similar contest over the CD  11 days ago. Always dangerous and will be fine on the ground.

Fascinating Lips was taken out of an amateur riders' handicap at Brighton on Sunday owing to unsuitable ground. He should be fine here with Tom on board and as an easy winner first time over hurdles on his final start last year, he must be a factor. His two runs after a longish break have not been brilliant, but with them behind him, he should be competitive in this ordinary contest.

Cloudy Breeze was beaten by only a nose at Windsor two runs back but ran no sort of race at Bath shortly afterwards. She's had a nice break since the Bath run and should be fresh to make an impact off her low mark.

Voodoo Ray is a regular around here, winning over 7f in late June. He found 1m too far last time but whether he will be sharp enough to drop to six might be debatable. Chances anyhow.

Fascinating Lips won on the flat and then on his last start on his hurdles debut at around this time last year. He had a long break before coming back this summer and has run better on the second of his two runs. Another step forward would be needed for him to score today.

It's hard to imagine a maiden at this time of the year only attracting three runners and this trio are within 2lb of each other on official ratings. On his two runs at Windsor, the latest in a handicap, Magic Memories would have to go here today with some confidence.

Cephalus won for his previous stable on the Newcastle all-weather last summer. He has yet to reveal any ability in his three runs from here and will need to start showing something to suggest there are further races in him.

Anificas Beauty ran three very good races for two wins and a second around here this year but the last two tries have been contrastingly disappointing. Hopefully, she will recapture the earlier form in which case she could look decent value here.

When Clear Justice's owners paid 30k for him as a yearling, they would not have been anticipating a 44 rating after three poor runs. We're banking on first-time blinkers to produce a response.

Novus has been having a profitable time in handicaps, winning last time off 86. Her new mark of 92 still leaves her almost a stone to find with most of these Group 3 performers and she will need to put in another massive career best to figure.

Deceit has had a couple of undistinguished runs since joining us from Johnny Murtagh. At least her mark has come down quite quickly and she might be ready to put in an improved showing.

David Dunsdon went close to winning on his company's horse Warning Sign at Newbury last time but there's no question that he would prefer to win today's amateurs' Derby over the full 12 furlongs at Epsom. He has been a skilled rider for many years and it would no doubt be a popular winner if he manages it. Down here too!

Soto Sizzler has been disappointing this year, apart from a decent third in the middle of his three runs at Epsom when he finished 3rd. His latest run here over 1m2f at the big meeting produced a poor effort as he stopped quickly under Ryan and was eased, yet the post-race examination found nothing amiss. He has won over this 1m4f and we just hope he can put in a better showing today.

He's A Latchico built on two spring/early summer hurdle wins with a victory on the flat at Sandown in June. He was one of many inconvenienced by the heavy ground here at the summer meeting but should be fine under these conditions.

Silastar  looks clearly the better of our pair in this. A winner at Sandown two runs back in late May, he was less convincing last time but looks a value each-way prospect.

It's more than a year since Oj Lifestyle won second time out at 125/1. He has yet to approach that level and his two runs  this year leave him our clear 2nd string here.

Aggagio has a great record at Goodwood notwithstanding two lesser performances the last twice. He found the ground too lively the first time and then in the longest race of the summer meeting didn't last home over 2m4f in testing ground. He'll be happier at two miles even though the ground has softened overnight, and can run a big race.

Non-runner

Non-runner

Non-runner

Non-runner.

Non-runner

Cast A Spell won well on his stable and UK debut two months ago. He switches now to hurdles and has a bright chance of winning first time out.

Lady Twilight has a nice pedigree. We are looking forward to this debut when we hope she will show some potential for the future.

Fascinating Lips was in very good form in handicaps in the second half of last year, but after a delayed return he has been at nothing like that level in two modest appearances. He might need a race or two more  before he can be ready to win.

Big Jimbo was busy in the winter/spring before having a break over the summer. He has come back well in two runs on this course, building on a promising run last month with a narrow but well-fought win three weeks ago. Up 3lb for that, he has to be a contender again.

Bated Breeze has his first run for the stable following a gelding operation. That was after a disappointing final run for his previous yard when starting favourite. He is a massive price and we are hoping he can outrun those odds.

Pure Bubbles was only 3rd of four at Windsor last time but was not beaten far and that was an improvement on his previous run there which followed eight months off the track. Still a maiden after 19 runs, we will be hoping that his falling mark will help him get over the line today.

Crescent Lake has done well to win three flat races since coming over from Ireland early in the year, He should run his race today, but at the yard, we are licking our lips anticipating when this 85-rated flat-racer can resume hurdling off his old Irish mark of just 94!

Junkanoo returned after a five-month break to win emphatically at Windsor in May. That resulted in a 7lb rise and now, after another three-month absence, with his abiliy to go well fresh, he cannot be ignored.

Red Cloud is comfortably the more expensive of our two representatives here and is by smart sire Sioux Nation. We hope he is precocious enough to challenge for a place.

Our Papa Smurf was a cheap buy in the spring considering his pedigree and has already been gelded. One of two for us in this newcomers' race, we hope he can show some promise today.

Systemic has had two runs on the flat after a period of jumping. He looked a little rusty when last of ten at Newbury last month but shaped much better when 4th at Salisbury. It should not be long before he gets his head in front.

Dirham Emirati has won his last two races, both at Bath in close finishes over 1m5f and then 1m6f. Back to the shorter trip, he is up just 2lb and he ought to have the scope to complete the hat-trick.

After some good runs in handicaps we sent Fierce off on what we hoped would be a confidence-boosting run in an ordinary maiden, but he made hard work of it. Back in handicaps, we think he can do better than that.

Proud Fairy won over slightly further on today's turf track two runs back under a big weight. We were hoping she might defy the 5lb penalty returning over this slightly shorter trip in soft ground here last time and her close 3rd was creditable enough even though she started favourite. The faster ground today will be to her liking and she should be a contender again.

Platinum Prince has been coming steadily into form this year, with a couple of creditable 3rd places in his last two handicaps. He need only maintain the progress to take a hand in the finish today.

The Whipmaster picked up 6k when he won over this CD three runs back. Admittedly, this is a shade higher class but if he wins, it's worth four times as much. No-brainer, especially if he does come out on top!

Magic Memories was 3rd and then 2nd in his last two novice races and starts handicapping on a mark of 77. It was well worthwhile testing out whether it's lenient or otherwise for this handsome prize for a 0-85. I see the fields are much better for this week's edition of the Racing League.

Yarborough was due to make his debut on Stewards' Cup day but his race was one of three abandoned on desperate ground after they ran the big race. He's a nicely-bred 2yo whose yearling price of 49k from Book 2 was much reduced to 20 grand when we bought him as a 2yo this spring. Interested to see how he shapes.

Clear Justice has been beaten by similar distances in novice races over 6f at Newbury and then 5f at Lingfield. He reverts to the longer distance here but will need to make a big improvement to figure. He looks likely to be aiming at a nursery next time.

Asense is still a maiden after 14 runs. He has a couple of pounds to find with one or two in this 0-50 Classified, but they are all much of a muchness. Third in a big field at Windsor last time, he should stay this longer trip and Harry Davies is a strong booking for an apprentices' race.

Daphne May has proved to be a consistent and tough filly, winning five of her 13 races in 2023 while rising 20lb in the handicap. Every time she wins again, we wonder if we have reached her ceiling, but her win at Epsom last time suggests that may not be the case. Not an easy fillies' handicap to be top-weight in, but she's equally adept at AW as turf, and, who knows, she may make it six today.

Deceit joined us from Johnny Murtagh midway through last summer and we managed one disappointing run with her last August. Obviously, she may be fitter for the run after the time off, but we do think there is something to work on with her.

Fascinating Lips didn't get a clear run last time when he would have been a good deal nearer and can now drop back into 0-65 class, admittedly under a big weight. Back at his ideal trip, he looks set for one of the principal placings.

The 10yo Stormingin has had a new lease of life his year and is a great ride for an amateur and Georgie fits the bill today. He has won two but there are a few of these in better form just now and we'll be delighted if he runs into a minor placing.

Soto Sizzler stopped very quickly, finishing tailed off at Goodwood. The post-race examination didn't show any abnormalities and he seems fine so takes his chance in this valuable race. He's one of the outsiders but if he could find his old form he wouldn't necessarily run like one.

Non runner - meeting abandoned

Non-runner - meeting abandoned

Systemic was a winning hurdler last year but was out of form in both tries over jumps his year and finished last of 10 in his subsequent run on the flat. He has come down a fair bit in the handicap since we've had him, but you would prefer some more tangible encouragement on the track before getting too excited.

Sagano had fair form in France, encouraging David Dunsdon to buy him. He hasn't shown much in three runs but now he's down a few pounds, his owner, an experienced amateur for many years, can ride him for the first time. Hoping he'll run better than his odds.

Brilliant Blue also ran here yesterday and in finishing 4th was probably under-achieving a shade. if he does stand his ground he can finish in the money again.

Voodoo Ray seemed to have everything going his way when a short-priced favourite for a similar event here yesterday but he was too free and faded to 4th. If he turns out again he would have to be a danger as long as he goes a little less keenly.

Our second contender Reckon I'm Hot is another who doesn't like winning, in his case 22 and counting. Two runs back on this course he was a good 2nd and with Harry Davies' 3lb to help, he is not without a chance.

Night Eagle won at Epsom two runs back and while only 5th under the penalty six days later at Sandown, he was beaten less than three lengths. He runs now off the same mark as last time and while on his best form he can go close, he's probably more an each-way hope.

Asense is still a maiden after 14 runs, almost breaking the duck last time out last year when runner-up over 1m2f on this track. After a break, he has been gradually getting nearer, suggesting last time when 3rd at Windsor over just short of today's trip that the elusive first win could be imminent, hopefully today.

Brilliant Blue has been doing okay this year, principally over a mile, and might have been nearer last time when Tom, unfortunately, dropped his whip as the action was hotting up, fading to a close 3rd near home. Down to 7f, he must have a decent chance with his rider anxious to atone. Maybe he was making sure he didn't get a whip ban!

We have had a good year in 0-50 Classified races and Voodoo Ray has an excellent chance in this latest instalment at Brighton. A winner over this CD at the end of June when rated 46, Voodoo Ray then just failed to defy a penalty, finishing a close 3rd again over 7f here. Dropped 1lb for that, he therefore just sneaks into this third consecutive CD run and should make no mistake this time.

You couldn't think of a better horse for a Fegentri Lady Amateur Riders' race than Capricorn Prince or indeed a more capable and experienced rider than Margaux Collomb. While at present 3rd in the standings for this year's series, she's within reach of the top and victory will put the French amateur there. Her career record of 23 wins from 194 rides is impressive in this context and she will I'm sure be delighted with what she finds in tonight's partner. Very hopeful.

Platinum Prince has been coming steadily into form in his three runs this year. Unlucky when denied a run at a crucial stage when 3rd on the Lingfield AW last month, he deserves to get his head back in front tonight.

Pure Bubbles didn't show much in two runs in the second half of last season and he was ring-rusty and disappointing on his comeback around here two months ago. Needs to offer much more.

Non-runner

Trussst In Me hasn't shown us much in her two starts to date. We are hoping for an improved showing, but things will get easier after this evening when she should be qualified to run in handicaps.

Race abandoned

Race abandoned

Race abandoned

Race abandoned

He's A Latchico broke off from running on AW to win a couple of handicap hurdles off a low mark in late spring and, switched back to turf, ran away with a Sandown 1m6f handicap with ease. Up 8lb for that, the chances are he could have improved a good deal this summer and we are hopeful he can take advantage off bottom weight raised in class.

Although Big Jimbo only finished 6th last time out over this CD, he was unlucky in running. With a clear run he should go very close and Hollie is a nice booking.

With three wins in his last four, Big Bard has to be the one to beat. Anna Gibson was among the winners last night and her 7lb is a handy asset. The fact Big Bard has won his last three on the turf with his only loss in that time on the Kempton AW is another positive.

Aggagio has a great record at Goodwood where he is always to be feared. Unproven at today's trip which will be tough to last under these ground conditions, there has to be a doubt about his getting home.

Daphne May has been kept busy since joining the yard and has won three times. There was no disgrace in her latest 2nd over 1m4f at Newbury. The previous time she won over that trip on this track in similar going and is just as effective over 2f shorter. We're taking off 7lb and Anna is developing quite nicely, so that should be a positive.

Novus ran a blinder in 2nd here on Tuesday when running from a wide draw in a big field. She was going on nicely at the finish and will not mind the more testing ground as she won on soft here at the spring meeting. If she has come out of Tuesday in good fettle she should be hard to beat.

Non-runner

Reckon I'm Hot has been running well but stubbornly continues to find one to beat him. Last time at Brighton he was runner-up to a course specialist in a similar Classified stakes to this over 6f but has the speed to be competitive at this drop to the minimum trip. Maybe it's his day at the 22nd time of asking!

Novus won over 7f here at the May meeting and is only 2lb higher. She should not be troubled by the extra furlong but the draw in 15 is not ideal in this bumper field and Tom will need to keep her clear of trouble if she is to figure at the finish.

Soto Sizzler may be an 8yo now but still has plenty of ability as he showed with a good 3rd at Epsom's Spring meeting, a regular stopping-off point over the years. He does have a win at Goodwood on his record - five years ago at this meeting - and it would not be too much of a shock if he ran in the money today.

Proud Fairy drew away from her field here five days ago to gain her second career win. She gets a 5lb penalty but Harry takes 3lb off and he got a good tune out of her last time. It's slightly shorter tonight but that should not be a problem and I'm guessing her mark will go up by at least 5lb, probably a bit more, so we're striking while the iron's hot.

Magic Memories improved for the step up to a mile from seven furlongs last time at Windsor, finishing a close 3rd. We are reverting to 7f here and with the overnight rain on Lingfield's turf course, and a likely fast-run race, it will be a fair test. We're trying him in a tongue-tie. A handful of these have handicap marks and his is just the highest. Each-way chances in a trappy novice contest.

Larrsen seemed to enjoy good to soft ground when winning over this trip two runs ago at Bath and disappointed in the follow-up attempt back on AW at Kempton. Tonight's conditions at Windsor should be similar to Bath and that gives Larrsen a chance of returning to form, albeit off 6lb higher

.

The Whipmaster has run twice recently at Windsor with contrasting results. He won nicely there in June before a lack-lustre showing early this month. We've freshened him up and hopefully, we will see his best side in this tricky handicap.

Daphne May is turning into quite a money-spinner for the yard, her win at Epsom early last month her third success of the year. Up 5lb tonight, she will have the ground to her liking and cannot be ignored.

David Dunsdon knows more about race riding than I do training! He is sure to give Warning Sign a competent ride and maybe encourage him back to his fine first-time-out run at Doncaster this spring. Less impressive twice since, he's dropping down the handicap and could go well at this level.

Non-runner

Spirit Of Breeze has been gradually finding his feet in handicaps. After easing down to 62, he ran his best race yet when 2nd on turf at Lingfield, and off the same mark, could well step into pride of place.

Fascinating Lips was consistent on the flat last year and ended the campaign with a single easy win over hurdles. He's back after a promising return at Kempton a month ago and should be much more competitive tonight.

Night Eagle struck form at Epsom last week. He gets a 5lb penalty and in a big field of generally out-of-form opponents, is probably the one to beat. Hopeful.

Proud Fairy won and was placed in the autumn last year and was not disgraced on her recent comeback after her long absence. She should find a few pounds and that could well bring her into the argument.

Atwixaday went through his qualifying runs without much impact and the same has been true of his first two handicaps. Now down another 6lb, gelded and with a first-time visor, the time has come for some meaningful improvement.

Anificas Beauty ran three good races at Chelmsford in the spring, winning the first two, but then missed the break last time and never got involved. After a short rest, she could bounce back with another good run.

Dirham Emirati came good last time after a gradual return to decent form. That was over 1m5f on this course and he should have no problem going up one more furlong. The 3lb rise should not be a worry either.

Clear Justice is from a fast family and by a high-class sprint sire. He found it all happening too quickly for him on debut at Newbury, but will know more about it today.

Semser is prone to starting slowly and that was the case last time on Lingfields's turf track. Three runs back he won over CD here and that brought his Chelsmford record to 2 from 2. It would be no shock if he were to make it three.

Brilliant Blue is still a maiden after 15 races but he has a few 2nd places on his card and surely that first success should not be too far away. It won't be easy in this big field but he has to hold a chance of getting in amongst them.

Night Eagle won a couple of handicaps last summer including over this course and distance. He has been slow to come to hand this year, finishing 5th on both starts to date. He will need to step up to get his head in front tonight.

Non-runner

Big Jimbo had a win and two 2nd places on AW in a busy spell at the start of the year but has been less convincing in two runs since. Now after a break, he can return fresh to this modest handicap and can make a bold bid for a place at least.

It's three years almost to the day since Capricorn Prince last won a race on turf - his only such success and it was over a 1f shorter trip on this course. Since then he has become a Lingfield AW specialist but he does run okay elsewhere and there's no reason why he could not perform well again on this quirky circuit.

Big Bard improved to win a couple of handicaps in the spring. He had a break before attempting the hat-trick in an amateur riders' race around Lingfield and was always positioned wide of the field before staying on to be nearest at the finish in a close 5th. Obvious chance to figure at the business end.

Fierce has been running well in handicaps this year, all three times finishing in the money. The last time he tried maiden company he was a little disappointing but this looks within his reach and he has far more experience than the rest of these.

Non-runner

Crescent Lake has done us proud, winning three times already this year since joining the stable. He's only up 4lb for his last win at Goodwood, is suited to the trip of 1m6f and we have to be hopeful he can continue to improve.