13:00 Worcester

Leg 1 Selections: London Eye, On Springs

LONDON EYE opened his account in this sphere here last year and has continuously performed well in defeat ever since, including when hitting the frame here two other times, as well finishing runner-up last time at Southwell. Under an attacking ride from Jamie Moore on chase debut, he could win this with a clear round. Ben Pauling’s ON SPRINGS has won two of his last three starts and while he made heavy weather of it last time, he should remain competitive here for his in-form handler despite going up four pounds.

13:35 Worcester

Leg 2 Selections: Thunderstruck

This is wide-open but I’ll take a chance on the Emma Lavelle-trained THUNDERSTRUCK, who’s having just his second chase start from a lenient mark. He has twice placed here over hurdles, particularly from an eight pounds higher mark last year and ran well here last time in a hotter race. He has the size and scope to be an even better chaser, so if Tom Bellamy can get him into a nice rhythm, he looks capable of defying this mark. The good ground will be absolutely perfect for him to showcase his best form too.

14:10 Worcester

Leg 3 Selections: Bannister

Tom George’s BANNISTER won with quite a bit in hand when smoothly accounting for useful opposition over course-and-distance and the tongue strap clearly worked wonders. He hasn’t been the most consistent but now that he’s got his head in front, he should be able to kick on now and a five pounds rise doesn’t seem too harsh either. With a repeat showing, Johnny Burke’s mount can double his tally over timber.

14:45 Worcester

Leg 4 Selections: Al Zaraqaan

There was lots to like about AL ZARAQAAN’s performance on hurdles debut, who pushed the experienced No Recollection close over course-and-distance. He jumped very well throughout and looked like winning until headed in the closing stages. However, he will have learnt a lot that day and he was a classy sort on the Flat, rated as high as 107. With more to come, he should outclass these. Trolley Boy is interesting on hurdles debut on the back of a bumper success but the former has the vital experience and his flat speed should prove too much for the latter.

15:20 Worcester

Leg 5 Selections: Ami Des Flots

Kim Bailey’s AMI DES FLOTS has made a very good start to her hurdles career in which she’s finished second on both starts. She was firmly put in her place by an odds-on favourite last time but this looks a weaker race and she makes her handicap debut off a fair mark. David Bass comes to the venue for his only ride on the card and he can be rewarded with success with this mare who’s got improvement to come.

15:55 Worcester

Leg 6 Selections: Rare Clouds, Inn the Bull

The final leg is again wide-open but RARE CLOUDS capitalised on a career-low mark when scoring on his penultimate start and ran a solid race when third last time in a class four event. Back down in grade off only a pound higher mark, he’s a contender. INN THE BULL found the minimum trip happening all too quickly for him last time so the return to this trip will be more suitable. He’s two pounds below his last winning mark and has a fair chance on these terms.