FAKENHAM
Race 6 No2 PRIME PRETENDER (Nap)
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
Long-distance traveller PRIME PRETENDER rates the best bet on a tricky card for punting. The gelding has knocked on the door, and if able to maintain that level of form on this very tight track can deservedly open his account.
HEREFORD
Race 1 No7 LIGHT EM UP NIGEL
Trainer: Nicky Martin – Jockey: James Bowen
LIGHT EM UP NIGEL would be a deserving winner of this maiden hurdle after hitting the crossbar in each of his last three outings. He should have the whip hand over Get Sky High, who had good form when last seen but that was almost 600 days ago.
Race 5 No7 FLIRTATIOUS GIRL (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
The best bet on the card is FLIRTATIOUS GIRL who posted some strong form in bumpers and represents a stable starting to get its act together in a big way. She includes a win in Listed company in her CV, and should prove hard to beat as long as her jumping stands the test.
Race 6 No8 KESTREL VALLEY
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Richard Patrick
Dr Massini mare KESTREL VALLEY is narrowly preferred to multiple scorer Princess Midnight in this handicap chase. She rarely missed out on a cheque in her first season chasing last winter, and can gain an overdue first success over fences.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 3 No11 ONEWAYORTOTHER (Nap)
Trainer: Toby Lawes – Jockey: Toby Lawes
ONEWAYORTOTHER has plenty to recommend him in the colours of Grand National winner Rough Quest. He chased home the more experienced Itso Fury on debut under Rules at Kempton last February and as long as his jumping is up to scratch he should open his account. It remains to be seen whether MacLaine, who won at Fontwell on Monday, swiftly reappears.
Race 4 No10 KENNY GEORGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Marc Goldstein
Getting weight from his foes after putting in an earning run on his seasonal reappearance at Fontwell, KENNY GEORGE will be fitter, and represents value to again tun to the money against hat-trick-seeking Branson Missouri.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No4 DESTINED (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
From a yard that’s had a super season with its juvenile fillies, DESTINED brings arguably the best form to the table, having given the more experienced Spirit Of Appluase plenty to think about on her debut at Ripon. The daughter of Havana Grey has worked well on an all-weather surface at home.
Race 5 No14 SILENT WORDS
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
There are two previous winners in the field that could win under penalties, but I can pass on a good word for newcomer SILENT WORDS, a daughter of Zoustar whose trainer can ready one to strike at the first time of asking.
Race 6 No9 POCKLEY
Trainer: Linda Perratt – Jockey: Mark Winn
Having troubled the judge on each of his last two outings, POCKLEY fits the bill as a likely winner of this low-grade handicap.
Race 8 No2 BAZALGETTE (Each Way)
Trainer: Stella Barclay – Jockey: Cam Hardie
BAZALGETTE hasn’t shown much for his trainer, but the grey is not devoid of ability and can follow the example of other horses that have moved to this yard from Mick Channon to post an earning run.