*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
12:45 – Brilliant Present
BRILLIANT PRESENT has had three attempts over hurdles so far, but the level of form she has achieved is much better than her opposition today, and she is very much the type to progress further now handicapping. The race in which she finished fourth in at Taunton last time is working out very well, with the winner and second both winning next time, which makes Brilliant Present look very well treated from an opening mark of 104, while she’ll also relish the return to this longer trip. Legal Rights justified heavy support on Boxing Day and is an obvious threat under a penalty.
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13:15 – Line Of Descent
LINE OF DESCENT was fairly useful on the Flat for Simon and Ed Crisford and made an encouraging start over hurdles for new connections when hitting the frame in a useful-looking event at Newbury 20 days ago. He was up against plenty that day who had above-average ability on the Flat, so there is reason to take a positive view on the form, and he left the impression he would come on a bundle for the run. He can put that experience to good use up against Winterwatch and Big Boy Bobby, who are a couple of interesting hurdling debutants that require close market attention.
13:45 – Art Of Diplomacy
ART OF DIPLOMACY became yet another new recruit to make a winning start for the very adept Dr Richard Newland when comfortably scoring in a handicap at Ludlow in November. He appeared to relish the step back up in trip on that occasion, travelling well for much of the race and edging right on the run-in, suggesting he had more in the tank if needed. That was just a modest race, and he is now 8 lb higher in the weights and back in a better race, but he could have even more to offer for this yard, so is the one to side with again. Mr Washington and Scarpia are just a couple of potential threats.
14:15 – Red Rookie
RED ROOKIE was a winner over hurdles, but is very much a chaser on looks, and showed significantly better form when runner-up on chasing debut at Chepstow in November. That race has worked out well and Red Rookie was well backed for a useful handicap at Ascot last time where he fell at the eighth fence while still travelling well. The form of his chasing debut is the best on offer here and he is fully expected to resume his progress. Pure Bliss, who showed herself to be a useful hurdler when winning at Punchestown in the spring, offered plenty to work on sent chasing at Exeter on return, and is feared most.
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14:50 – Family Pot
FAMILY POT was an inconsistent maiden over hurdles, but made a brilliant transition to fences when making a winning start at Ludlow in November and he has bettered that form in defeat twice since. Admittedly, he was flattered by his proximity to the front two when third from 41 lb out of the weights 13 days ago, but his previous two efforts over fences put him right in the mix here racing off his proper mark. Jerminnie Green is worth another chance to confirm the form of her chase-debut win and is next best ahead of Ivilnoble, who went close back over this trip at Fontwell.
15:20 – I Spy A Diva
I SPY A DIVA had looked a decent prospect prior to folding as if amiss at Stratford when last seen in October, so she has to be worth another chance back from a small break in a race lacking depth. Fellow bumper winner Good Look Charm is very much bred for this game and is respected, along with newcomer Tokara, who is a sister to smart hurdler Eskylane.
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15:50 – Nocte Volatus
Having had the race at his mercy when coming to grief at the last at Market Rasen early last month, NOCTE VOLATUS had little fuss in making amends on his second start over fences at Catterick last week, bolting up by 17 lengths. Unpenalised for that, he’s expected to prove tough to beat. Fellow last-time-out winner Jobesgreen Lad rates the chief threat, ahead of Galtee Mountain.
Timeform’s best bets:
12:45 – Brilliant Present
13:15 – Line Of Descent
13:45 – Art Of Diplomacy
14:15 – Red Rookie
14:50 – Family Pot
15:20 – I Spy A Diva
15:50 – Nocte Volatus
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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