CHEPSTOW
No7 ROCKING MAN
Trainer: Sam Thomas- Jockey: Dylan Johnston
ROCKING MAN looked a decent prospect when winning his first bumper and finishing second in two more, only for injury to force him onto the sidelines. The six-year-old still has the world at his feet, and will be fit enough to give a good account on this first outing in 20 months, and first over jumps.
Race 2 No3 KRIPTICJIM
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
This looks harder than the opener but KRIPTICJIM looked progressive in his bumper and hurdles starts at Exeter before his season was cut short by a minor setback. He enjoys cut in the ground, and over this trip can continue from where he left off with by repelling the only mare in the field KINGSTON QUEEN.
Race 5 No9 SOBER GLORY (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Ben Jones
Jones looks an interesting booking for SOBER GLORY as he puts a four race unbeaten record on the line in this maiden hurdle. The five-year-old landed an Irish point before graduating through bumpers to take out a Listed race at Newbury with some nice types in his wake. He’s looked the part in his work at home ahead of this return to action.
NOTTINGHAM
Race 2 No4 TIRIAC (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Midgley – Jockey: Barry McHugh
TIRIAC traded short in running on his latest outing at this course two weeks ago but his effort flattened out towards the finish. He remains a well handicapped horse, and on his favoured heavy conditions can gain an overdue first success of 2025, and first for his trainer.
Race 5 No10 HINCHINBROOKE
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
HINCHINBROOKE did not go unsupported when failing to reel in a hare who never came back at Yarmouth two weeks ago. He travelled well not contention, and on similarly favourable ground with Ryan retaining the mount he can go one better.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 4 No4 VELVET WHISPER (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Archie Young
VELVET WHISPER is starting to get her act together following a breathing operation. She was very impressive when opening her account in testing ground at Nottingham last month, and should find today’s step up to a mile and a half within her stamina range. She’s the best bet on this card.
Race 6 No1 NOSTRUM
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Mark Winn
Group 3 and Listed winner NOSTRUM hasn’t managed to lift a leg in six starts for his trainer although the first three of those were in Pattern company. He was purchased with risks attached but gets another drop down the class ladder, in which he’s given a speculative vote to show that some of his old ability still remains.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 4 No1 FORT ROCK
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
It was only by an inch that FORT ROCK landed some good bets on his debut over course and distance last month, but the son of Wootton Bassett had to overcome greenness. He will be more fine tuned and can defy a 7 lb penalty at the main expense of GO RIMBAUD.
Race 9 No1 VERAISON (Nap)
Trainer: Dr Richard Newland – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
VERAISON displayed his liking for this surface when beating Jet Black last month before following-up as a well supported favourite at Wolverhampton. He’s closely matched with Jet Black at these revised weights, but with his tail up and Loughnane added to the equation can complete a hat-trick.
Place Accumulator Perm ( Races 3-9)