13:50 Doncaster

This looks a weak 0-125 handicap chase and I am willing to take a chance on Barton Knoll (best priced at 5/2) who bids for a fourth course and distance victory. The John Mackie trained eleven-year-old has form figures of U1U115 at Doncaster including victories off marks of 129 and 125.

Barton Knoll was disappointing on his latest start here in November but he has had a break since and he now drops in class from a 0-140 handicap into a 0-125 handicap. With question marks about the rest of the runners, Barton Knoll looks the most dependable and he is expected to win for a fourth time at the course.  

Barton Knoll - 1pt @ 5/2

14:15 Punchestown

Brandy Love may prove to have too much class for her rivals in this race but I prefer the chances of Queens Brook (best priced at 15/8) at the weights. The Gordon Elliott trained eight-year-old has a consistent record of 1232122312 over hurdles including a victory at this course in November and a 2nd placed finish in this race last season. She finished 2nd behind Marie’s Rock in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season and she is in receipt of weight from Brandy Love which should give her a huge advantage.

Brandy Love also faces question marks about this right handed track and she has a tendency to jump violently left-handed and that combined with a lack of fitness should tip the scales in the favour of Queens Brook in this race.

Queens Brook - 1pt @ 15/8

15:20 Newcastle

This looks a competitive 0-95 handicap but I am willing to take a chance on the outsider Venturous (best priced at 10/1) at the prices. The David & Nicola Barron trained ten-year-old has a good record at Newcastle with form figures of 0121161198 including victories off marks of 91 and 100 and two wins in conditions races when rated 103 and 106.

Venturous now drops from a 0-105 handicap into a 0-95 handicap and I expect him to be staying on best of all over this 5f trip under Connor Beasley.

Venturous - 0.5pts @ 10/1