13:52 Chepstow

The money was down for PEMBROKE on debut and he certainly didn’t disappoint, winning head in chest at Huntingdon strolling clear by 11 lengths at the line. He looked quite raw on that occasion as you’d expect for his first outing under Rules so should improve plenty now going hurdling. He has a summer on his back and could be a nice prospect for the season ahead. Similar comments can be applied to Tahmuras for Paul Nicholls. This horse improved from his debut at Ffos Las to win at Wincanton and that form has been well advertised since so he is the obvious danger to the selection. Out Of Office was an expensive purchase and he is well related so it will be interesting to see what the betting makes of him. Like always at this time of year this will likely be worth watching back a few times.

14:07 Musselburgh

I do think GENERAL OFFICER is a bit of a work in progress but he still might be good enough to win this as it doesn’t look too strong of a content. I thought he shaped with a fair bit of encouragement when third on debut in a bumper at Carlisle and with more to come now hurdling he could be the answer here. He will likely come into his own as he moves up in trip but if there is good pace on here he may well be finishing best under Brian Hughes. Irish raider Harel Du Marais looks the obvious danger as the betting is suggesting but he has had a fair few chances already and needs to jump better if he is to win a race. Sanosuke didn’t do badly on the Flat in Ireland and while he is yet to match that over hurdles he wasn’t disgraced when third at Perth last time so he has claims as well if managing to build on that here.

General Officer - 1pt