14:31 Hereford

Despite still looking a bit raw MILAN BRIDGE (best price 11/4) really impressed on debut over hurdles. He lost ground at most of his flights just putting in an extra step or two but showed how much he had under the bonnet to stay on well and win with a bit in hand. He was quickly upped in trip and pitched into a decent novice hurdle at Kempton and while he was beaten a fair way the experience won’t have been lost on him. He is improving with experience and has an unexposed profile heading into handicaps. An opening mark of 119 doesn’t look overly harsh and with Tom Buckley claiming a handy 5lb I think this son of Milan get regain the winning groove. The betting has it right and the danger is Minella Buster. He bolted up at Plumpton before only finishing third there last time. He needs more but like the selection has further progress to come.
 

16:45 Sandown

With 3 wins from his last 4 over fences NOCTE VOLATUS (best price 9/4) is a confident selection to go in again turned out quickly under a penalty. He beat a good yardstick in Muckamore at Huntingdon last time and that horse had really solid form heading into that. He hasn’t always looked the most straightforward but I thought he jumped well the last day and the way he picked up again close home stamped himself as a horse ahead of the handicapper. This is tougher again but he has more to come and I think he can come out on top once more. Nickolson is a good horse and he has been knocking on the door in recent starts. He is off the same mark again and has to be respected but I think he may struggle to contain the selection. Deyrann De Carjac is off a much reduced mark so also deserves a second look in here.