13:37 Hereford

Back Mick Mona at 13-2

MICK MONA (best price 13-2) had little chance up against a mare as talented as Marada here last time out, but being as she was the only one to offer any resistance to Dan Skelton’s potential Graded performer, it is easy to come to the conclusion that today’s contest provides her with a playing field whereby she can realistically get her head in front.

Not for the first time Alastair Ralph’s six-year-old dipped her bread against quality opposition, as last season she was in races that contained the likes of Getariver and Fair Kate and this will be the first time she’s actually faced handicap company. By no means badly treated on the evidence of some of her best efforts, her numbers over today’s course last time indicate she was trapping along at a fair old rate and with the step up in trip likely to result in a more serene gallop, there’s a decent chance she will be competitive where it matters most.

Mick Mona - 1pt e/w @ 13/2

13:45 Huntingdon

Back Wild Max at 11-4

WILD MAX (NAP) (best price 11-4) was still travelling as well as anything until badly hampered by the falling Sternrubin at Cheltenham last time out and with the strong possibility of him being well-suited by today’s sharper, right-handed track, he’s fancied to keep up the amazing run of form for his Ditcheat handler.

A progressive young novice in the early part of last season with two victories at Taunton to his name, Paul Nicholls’ gelding came unstuck on his final outing when his propensity to race a little keenly cost him dear in the latter stages. Back in action after 264-days, the son of Maxios returned to the fray at the home of National Hunt racing a month ago and he impressed with the way he went through the contest until disaster struck just as the heat of battle was commencing. Whether he would have won or not is a moot point, but even taking into account the ground and momentum he lost it was still a decent effort in any case and it was at least a sure sign that everything is in full working order. As all his best form until now has come on a flat track, today’s venue seems a more sensible option for this speedy type and with a decent pace a likely scenario courtesy of Constancio in the line-up, the five-year-old should get the environment to allow him to settle before being let loose in the latter stages.

Wild Max - 1pt @ 11/4

14:23 Lingfield

Back Imphal at 4-1

Mount Windsor sets a decent standard with his runner-up spot at Uttoxeter last time out boosted by Breffniboy yesterday and he looks the one to beat, but there does appear to be a solid each-way alternative in the shape of IMPHAL (best price 4-1) and he rates the percentage call at the morning odds.

Useful on the Flat with Marcus Tregoning, the son of Nathaniel has yet to score in four starts under both codes for new connections but his two runs over hurdles have offered up a good deal of encouragement for the future and today could be the day when he realises that potential. His latest effort, for instance, when fourth in a hot maiden hurdle over today’s course behind the highly-regarded Threeunderthrufive represents a fair level of form - even more so when you take into consideration the time figure produced by the winner – and a repeat of something similar will surely see him good enough to hit the frame at the very least on his return to the Surrey venue.

Imphal - 1pt e/w @ 4/1