13:25 Chepstow

Leg 1 Selections: Sure Touch, Halifax 

SURE TOUCH has been in great form already this year, winning three times, and although he was only fourth last time, this is a much easier race and he could get back on track now dropped in grade. HALIFAX has yet to win over hurdles but ran well when second last time and should be thereabouts off only a two pounds higher mark with more to come. 

14:00 Chepstow

Leg 2 Selections: Timeforatune, Sonification 

Paul Nicholls’ TIMEFORATUNE won his first three bumpers, including one at this course, so it was disappointing that he could only manage eighth back at Cheltenham last time. However, it was possible the run came too soon after his previous success and he’s been given plenty of time since. With better to come now tackling the obstacles, he’s fancied to resume his progression by making an impact here. SONIFICATION easily brushed aside his opponents over C&D in April on debut and could play a leading role on just his second start on his hurdles debut with Johnny Burke booked to ride. 

14:35 Chepstow

Leg 3 Selections: Pataille

An interesting race and I’ll take a chance on one at a big price, PATAILLE, who shaped promisingly when third in a Newton Abbot bumper on debut in March and is related to some classy horses. The way he stayed on strongly in the closing stages on debut was eye-catching and connections have wasted no time in sending him over hurdles in this race. He could easily exceed market expectations here. 

15:10 Chepstow

Leg 4 Selections: Ballyblack, Mister Marbles 

BALLYBLACK ran five times over hurdles, winning once and making the frame in his other four starts. He returned a beaten favourite the last two times but was always seen as a chaser in the making and Jeremy Scott is an underestimated trainer in my opinion. An opening mark of 121 is lenient and it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the significant drop in distance. I am quite hopeful about his chances here. MISTER MARBLES also showed decent form over hurdles and could pose a threat on chase/seasonal debut in this. 

15:45 Chepstow

Leg 5 Selections: Sonigino

Paul Nicholls has a strong team at the Welsh venue today and it was hard not to be impressed with the way SONIGINO scored over C&D on his return here earlier this month. He had quite a bit up his sleeve when beating the likeable Nina The Terrier that day, who I really fancied to win. This five-year-old went up four pounds for that victory but that looks manageable, so he gets quite a confident vote to put his race-fitness to good use and follow-up in this race. 

16:20 Chepstow

Leg 6 Selections: Jeremy Pass 

JEREMY PASS ended last season on a low note and needs to resume his progress before heading into the wrong direction. However, he has a good record fresh, and the wind surgery could be the catalyst for further improvement here. He is down to 129, which is exploitable on the balance of his Taunton second, and ran well on his previous visit to this course when second to the smart Eva’s Oskar. If back to his best, he should have too much natural ability for his five rivals.