13:15 Kelso

This looks a competitive 0-135 novices’ handicap chase but preference goes to the progressive BILL BAXTER (best priced at 7/2). The Warren Greatrex trained seven-year-old has been transformed this season following a wind operation after his below par reappearance run at Bangor. He won by 2 ¾ lengths at Lingfield off a mark of 115 before following up at this course off a 5lbs higher mark.

Bill Baxter was sent off 5/2 favourite at Hereford last time off a mark of 128 but fell at the fourth last fence when still going well. If that hasn’t knocked his confidence then he should hold strong claims off the same mark at a course where he was a good winner on his penultimate start.

Bill Baxter - 1pt

13:50 Kelso

Eyes will be drawn to the Emmet Mullins trained Mctigue in this race but I am willing to take a chance on the Sam Thomas trained DEERE MARK (best priced at 8/1). The unexposed six-year-old beat the 132 rated Lallygag in a bumper last season and has run well in three of his four runs over hurdles so far. He finished 2nd at Cheltenham in a maiden hurdle before disappointing on his next start at the same course.

Deere Mark bounced back with a comfortable victory at Hereford in a novice hurdle before winning on his handicap debut last time at Kempton off a mark of 119. The handicapper has raised him 6lbs for that victory which is fair and connections will have targeted this race following their decision to pull him out of the Betfair Hurdle last month on fast ground.

Deere Mark - 0.5pts e/w

15:35 Kelso

The Dan Skelton trained LE MILOS (best priced at 6/5) is being targeted at the Grand National this season so it is no surprise to see him now run with the weights for the Aintree race now published. The eight-year-old won twice over fences last season when trained by Tim Vaughan but has looked to have improved for a switch of stables this season.

He was an impressive 4 ¾ length winner at Bangor on his reappearance in November off a mark of 142 before winning the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury later that month off a mark of 146.

The handicapper has raised Le Milos 6lbs for that victory up to a mark of 152 which seems very fair and the presence of The Shunter in this race means he is still a backable price. He is a previous course winner as a novice hurdler and I expect him to make it 3/3 for his new trainer.   

Le Milos - 1pt