15:40 Wolverhampton

The money was down for OPEN MIND (best price 2/1) at Chelmsford last month and Saeed bin Suroor’s 3yo made no mistake winning with a bit up his sleeve. He goes handicapping now off an opening mark of 80 and with further improvement should be capable of following up. The second Phinow won his next start and looks another nice prospect for Charlie Hills so the form has been franked too. Hannon saddles the second favourite Maritime Rules and he looks the danger. He finished third behind two nice horses in Washraa and Conservative last time so that looks very solid form. Skittlebombz was expected to do better last time but didn’t find much off the bridle. If he can settle better he might show up more prominently at the business end but this looks a pretty good race so it might be too much of an ask on this occasion anyway. Meng Tian best of the rest but looks held on that formline with Maritime Rules.

19:10 Windsor

Kevin Philippart De Foy had a great weekend and he has his string in fine form at present. ROYAL AVIATION (best price 15/8) improved to win well on handicap debut at Kempton last time and looks a horse to keep firmly on side for now. The form has taken a few knocks since but I liked the way he settled it and this looks very winnable to me. He is up 6lb but that doesn’t look enough to peg him back under likely positive tactics. Kingdom Girl wasn’t really put in the race last time and still has potential. Fozzie Bear has plenty of experience to draw upon but hasn’t been seeing out his races with any real conviction which has to be concerning. Turn Back Time is expected to leave her reappearance firmly behind and she might be the one that emerges as the main danger. John O’Groats is obviously unexposed after just 3 starts and also has to be considered but the market should reveal his chance.