*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
12:30 Seven No Trumps
SEVEN NO TRUMPS started at 16/1 but showed definite signs of ability when finishing third on his debut over hurdles at Ludlow in January, the only one to make any inroads on the first two who raced more prominently throughout. Seven No Trumps seemingly wasn’t suited by the sedate gallop which was set and is worth marking up with that in mind. He was far from knocked about and looks a sure-fire improver now, so looks the one to side with in a race that is sure to throw up plenty of future winners.
13:00 Duc Kauto
DUC KAUTO made a winning start over fences over two miles at this course in October 2019 and ran to a similar level in defeat on his next two starts that season. He has been sparingly raced since, shaping as though he was in need of the run when only fifth in a handicap chase at Newton Abbot on his only start since. Duc Kauto takes a drop in class now, though, and based on his form last season, remains on a fair mark. The Colin Tizzard yard have been in much better form of late and Duc Kauto looks the way to go in a race lacking depth.
13:30 Robin’s Dream
ROBIN’S DREAM and Balko Saint are closely matched on these terms given what they’ve achieved, and with this likely to come down to a test of speed on this sharp track, the scales are tilted the way of Gary Moore’s charge, who was well backed and still in touch when falling at Sandown last time.
14:05 Earlofthecotswolds
A competitive small-field affair where the vote goes to EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS. A cracking second from a 1 lb lower mark at Ascot in December, he arrives having scored in a jumpers’ bumper last month, and is expected to go well in refitted cheekpieces from what still looks a fair mark back over fences.
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14:40 Amelia’s Dance
This is wide open and a chance is taken on AMELIA’S DANCE bouncing back to form under Daryl Jacob, as she’s nicely treated on the form of her Uttoxeter second earlier in the season. Malina Ocarina will be a danger if handling two outings in quick succession since returning from an absence, while the Olly Murphy-trained pair Mighty Meg and Tamango appeal as possible improvers in handicaps, and need keeping a close eye on in the betting.
15:10 Akarita Lights
Lots with chances, but the one who makes the most appeal is the lightly-raced AKARITA LIGHTS, who hasn’t been with Ian Williams that long. He made a winning start over hurdles for Alan King in May 2019 and bounced right back to his best when filling the runner-up spot at Market Rasen in January. That looks solid form as the winner has run well in defeat since, and the pair pulled well clear of the remainder. Akarita Lights has been raised 4 lb for that effort, but he could have even more to offer, and the slight drop in trip could work in his favour.
15:45 Dashing Perk
DASHING PERK reportedly came back lame after his seemingly disappointing effort at Doncaster a couple of months ago, but he’d previously been going the right way over fences, and he might not need to improve further to make a winning hunter chase debut. The classy Caid du Berlais is an obvious danger, as is Capitaine if retaining ability.
Timeform’s tips at Wincanton
12:30 Seven No Trumps
13:00 Duc Kauto
13:30 Robin’s Dream
14:05 Earlofthecotswolds
14:40 Amelia’s Dance
15:10 Akarita Lights
15:45 Dashing Perk
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
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