13.00 Plumpton 

This is an excellent-looking novices’ chase despite the three-runner field size and, although Nassalam has beaten us twice this season, I am quite confident the Alex Hales-trained FOR PLEASURE (best price 2-1) will take some catching on this sharp track, so this Grade Two hurdles winner gets the vote to take the scalp of his two rivals here. He is likely to adopt his usual trailblazing tactics and that has almost certainly contributed to the horse’s improved hurdles form last term, where he won a Grade Two at Cheltenham before a good third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He ultimately fell on last month’s chasing debut at Warwick when still in the lead but bounced back when giving it a good go from the front on first completed start back there last time when third behind subsequent Grade One winner Edwardstone. He was the highest-rated of these over hurdles and has all the credentials to take this intriguing contest. 

For Pleasure - 1pt @ 2/1

14.00 Plumpton

There was a lot to like about DR KANANGA’s (best price 9-4) handicap debut at Chepstow, where he jumped and travelled well before getting tired as expected and eventually finishing second. He remains unexposed in this sphere and was really impressive at Hexham in May prior to his excellent runner-up spot on his seasonal/handicap debut last time-out. Ben Clarke’s charge remains open to further improvement and, with this race lacking any sort of strength in depth, this offers the seven-year-old a good opportunity to go one better. 

Dr Kananga  - 1pt @ 9/4