14:15 Wetherby

Conditions are going to take plenty of getting at Wetherby on Monday and the tough CHEDDLETON (best price 9/4) is taken to handle them best. He goes particularly well in testing ground with arguably his best performance to date coming in deep ground at Haydock where he slammed Grade 1 winner Cornerstone Lad by 6 lengths. He has run with credit on both starts this season only beaten 4 lengths into second at Cheltenham last time. He came nicely clear from the third with the field well strung out so the form looks solid. He runs off the same mark here and everything points towards another big run. Fransham beat Cornerstone Lad over C&D last month and has to be respected on that up just 3lb. Nuts Well may emerge as a greater threat back in trip.

15:25 Chepstow

I’ve always been a fan of BRINKLEY (best price 5/2) so it was good to see him making a winning start over fences at Huntingdon last time. He was progressive over hurdles and I expect him to keep improving in this sphere for a while yet. He was very much learning on the job last time and didn’t put in the most fluent round but what was evident was his engine and he kept falling before eventually getting the better of the argument. An opening mark of 146 should be within range and this looks a good opportunity for him to follow up. Imperial Alcazar also reached a decent level over hurdles but disappointed somewhat over fences at Newbury and has a bit to prove to get seriously competitive here. Pats Fancy could be a greater threat having shown a likeable attitude last time.