12:40 Wetherby

I am keeping a close eye on the Skelton yard this season and given the way CHERIE D’AM won on debut in a bumper she could be an exciting recruit now sent hurdling. She won by 8 lengths and the form has been franked since.

She is proven in conditions which could count for plenty and if jumping well should make a winning start under Harry Skelton. Brook Bay ran well when runner-up to Asta La Pasta on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter and will be the main danger with experience on side. Of the rest Paddy O’mahler left something to work on last time and is another one to note in a race that should throw up plenty of winners going forward.
 

15:45 Ascot

The drift on MONBEG GENIUS is slightly concerning but if he is fit and ready to go on reappearance he could prove the answer here. He was hugely progressive over fences last season landing a hat-trick at Chepstow back in February. He ran a cracker when third to Corach Rambler in the Ultima and quite clearly has more to come in this sphere.

He is 7lb higher but is unexposed and I’m keen to chance him especially at 6/1 at the time of writing. Beauport definitely has the ability to win this but he was expensive to follow last season and I’m happy to leave him alone seeing as he is favourite. Eldorado Allen will keep galloping and might be a bigger danger.