12:40 Chepstow

Leg 1 Selections: Atlanta Brave, Ed Keeper 

The Kerry Lee-trained ATLANTA BRAVE went very close to making a successful hurdles debut at Hereford when beaten under a length by a Paul Nicholls’ odds-on favourite. He is sure to prove a stronger proposition with that experience under his belt and could be capable of going one better. 

ED KEEPER ran a really solid race when third on his hurdles debut to a pair who had the benefit of experience and Sam Thomas' representative should provide the biggest threat to the former in the opener. 

13:10 Chepstow

Leg 2 Selections: Progressive, Galice Macalo

PROGRESSIVE won three times for former boss Nicky Henderson and won a class two over this course-and-distance back in 2021 off a mark of 114. With Luke Scott taking off seven pounds, that sees her in this off a three pounds lower mark plus she ran respectably on her stable debut last time as well. 

She could make a bold bid in this race, while GALICE MACALO is also a course-and-distance and although he hasn’t been as good over fences, he returns to the smaller obstacles in a winnable race. He has the class to defy top-weight if near his best here. 

13:40 Chepstow

Leg 3 Selections: Moonlighter 

This could be a make or break leg in regards to which MOONLIGHTER turns up. He is prone to making costly mistakes, which makes his record look far worse than it should be. He is clearly lurking on a dangerous mark, given he is 23Ib below his last winning mark plus he has generally competed in stronger events than this throughout his career. 

The ten-year-old would have finished closer to Midnight River (subsequent Paddy Power New Year's Chase winner) at Stratford when second without blundering his chance away in the early stages. He drops into a class four for the first time in a while and should be good for these if able to keep the errors at bay. He won’t find an easier opportunity off a career-low mark over fences. 

14:10 Chepstow

Leg 4 Selections: First Lord Du Cuet, Monbeg Genius

FIRST LORD DU COET is remarkably consistent and shaped as if he retains all of his ability when second after a 19-month absence last month to the very useful Complete Unknown. That is strong form in the context of this assignment and if he can back that up here, he should be extremely competitive. He has run three times over fences and been second in all of them too. 

MONBEG GENIUS finished last of four on his chase debut but took a major step forward from that reappearance when scoring from the front at Newcastle last month. He beat a horse who was seeking a three-timer with plenty to spare so whilst he has been raised 5Ib for that latest success, he is open to further improvement and should make a bold bid in his repeat bid here. 

14:40 Chepstow

Leg 5 Selections: Crebilly, Estacas

CREBILLY was an expensive purchase and returned a very easy winner on his hurdles debut at Newcastle last month, winning by 21-lengths in the end without coming off the bridle. On the back of that deep impression, it is hard not to see him going well in his bid to remain unbeaten in this sphere. Excellent claims. 

ESTACAS beat the classy Chianti Classico on his debut in a bumper at Ascot and that form has a lot of substance given the winner made it three-from-three over hurdles last time. He backed that up with a good third next time and although he hasn’t been seen since, this six-year-old appeals as the type to be a decent hurdler. 

15:10 Chepstow

Leg 6 Selections: Billingsley, Prime Defender

BILLINGSLEY has been in really good form of late and this course-and-distance winner has made the frame in all of his last three starts in this sphere. He remains four pounds above his last winning mark but this isn’t a strong race and he could be set to return to the winners enclosure here. He is the most solid option. 

PRIME DEFENDER has finished second in all three of his chase starts and whilst this is a stronger race than the one he contested three days ago, he might be capable of going one better with a lot more to offer. Evan Williams’ eight-year-old, likewise to the former, is the only other consistent runner in the field which will count for plenty here.