13:00 Uttoxeter

Leg 1 Selections: Biowavego

BIOWAVEGO is improving with each start and ran a good race when stepped up in trip last time to finish a clear second. He must have a big chance with more to come. Seaforth Mancy is rated ten pounds higher but I think his rating is inflated and preference is for the former, who’s been solid in defeat in all three starts over hurdles and can potentially capitalise on this good opportunity for his in-form handler in the opening leg. 

13:35 Uttoxeter

Leg 2 Selections: Balearic, Henri Le Bon 

BALEARIC has placed in both starts over hurdles to date and warmed up for this a nice spin on the Flat two weeks ago. He makes his handicap debut off a lenient-looking mark of 98 and, being open to more improvement than most, his chances are imminent. Kerry Lee’s HENRI LE BON is still winless but he’s fallen to a handy mark and wasn’t beaten far off it last time when third. He should make a bold bid in leg two with an excellent five pounds claimer in the saddle. 

14:10 Uttoxeter

Leg 3 Selections: Aviewtosea, Tedham

AVIEWTOSEA made a lovely introduction to his chase campaign when winning on debut in this sphere over course-and-distance and, off only a three pounds higher mark, he might be able to remain unbeaten despite his big weight in leg three. His main danger could be TEDHAM, who was the best of these over the smaller obstacles and came close to winning last time when beaten a neck. He is up a pound but is dangerously well-treated and could go one better with more to come. 

14:40 Uttoxeter

Leg 4 Selections: DEFI DOUDAIRIES

David Pipe’s DEFI DOUDAIRIES was a very consistent hurdler/chaser when trained in France and ran an excellent race when just touched off at Newton Abbot on Sunday. He would have won in another stride but, essentially, gets into this race off the same mark and connections seem keen to turn him out quickly here just five days after that near-miss. Philip Armson is having a really good year and his claim has proved useful on more than one occasion, so he can get this nine-year-old in front against mostly exposed rivals in leg four. 

15:15 Uttoxeter

Leg 5 Selections: Goaheadwiththeplan

GOAHEADWITHTHEPLAN was agonisingly denied on chase debut over course-and-distance, in which he jumped well from the front throughout and having got outpaced, he rallied in the closing stages to nearly force a photo. It’s highly likely Gavin Sheehan will ride him more aggressively here, especially now that he’s got that experience under his belt and he’s only gone up one pound too. This is a deeper race, but he’s got more to come and should be tough to beat in leg five if able to dictate matters. 

15:50 Uttoxeter

Leg 6 Selections: ISTHEBAROPEN

ISTHEBAROPEN is creeping up in the weights but she’s clearly thriving lately and scored for the fourth time in this sphere at Aintree on her penultimate start. She did well to finish as close as she did last time over track and trip despite nearly taking the wrong course and has a good record with this claimer. Giving weight to some in-form rivals won’t be easy, but she’s a solid mare and has big claims of producing another good display at this course.