13:55 Southwell

I have to admit this is a bit of a guessing game as we have never seen TOMMIE GUN jump a hurdle but I get the impression the trainer rates him a fair bit and he showed enough promise in a bumper at Newbury to be worth a play here. He failed to sparkle on debut finishing well down the field but given time ran much better on reappearance and now sent over obstacles I’m expecting further improvement again.

This doesn’t look a tough maiden hurdle and I am expecting him to go close. Bhaloo won a bumper at Market Rasen and then finished third to Queens Gamble at Kempton on debut over hurdles so looks the biggest danger. Colonel Whizz is another one worthy of consideration.

14:10 Carlise

Unexposed as a stayer HOWLINGMADMURDOCK looks worth backing here. He was progressive enough last season winning at Plumpton and Sandown and didn’t run badly at all behind Apple Away at Aintree. He looked like a horse that needed the run on reappearance at Haydock and in calmer waters now should get back to winning ways.

I think this trip will see the best of him as his stamina is drawn out and it is no surprise to see him vying for favouritism. Ramo has also enjoyed going up in trip and looks the danger but he does need to bounce back from that Newbury run last time. Schalke has the cheekpieces back on and is another one expected to get competitive at least.