12.40 Huntingdon

I remember LAST ROYAL (best price 7/4) winning a bumper at Uttoxeter on debut and thinking he could be a nice horse. He was beaten under a penalty next time but bumped into Minella Encore and lost little in defeat. Put away after he made a really encouraging return tackling hurdles for the first time at Chepstow earlier this month. 2 out he was arguably going better than anything and I just think inexperience cost him in the end. There was a lot of promise to take from the run and this looks a great opportunity for him to open his account. The winner Ree Okka had strong form heading into the race and the second Complete Unknown for Paul Nicholls has acquitted himself well in a strong race at Ascot since. He should strip fitter from that as well and with usual progression will be tough to beat here so it doesn’t surprise me to see him trading as favourite. Lyrical Genius showed a good attitude to eventually get the better of the argument at Doncaster but this does look tougher under a penalty. Lounge Lizard also brings potential to the table so shouldn’t be entirely ruled out either.

13:28 Wincanton

I think the top 2 in here are both promising types but I’m keen to side with Charlie Longsdon’s GEORGE BANCROFT (best price 5/2) to bounce back. He had no problem making a winning start over hurdles at Fontwell before bumping into a nice horse when second at Ffos Las. He still looked to be learning his trade on that occasion and was just caught out when the winner picked up. He was notably strong in the betting on handicap debut at Market Rasen but unseated Kevin Brogan at just the second flight. I think it’s clear an opening mark of 112 underestimates his ability so granted a clear round here he is going to take all the beating with an in-form Tom Cannon in the saddle. Hopefully, he gets a nice toe in as I think that will help him settle better. The danger is definitely Rhebus Road for Oliver Sherwood. He looked a horse improving when second at Fontwell and with more to come again should keep the selection honest. Struggling to see anything else at bigger prices landing a blow as the two mentioned look a cut above as the market is suggesting.