14:25 Uttoxeter

AL ZARAQAAN (best price 6-1) ultimately won apologising at Cartmel last time out and that smooth performance should set things up nicely for Sam England’s gelding to have a good lash at repeating last year’s win. 

Confidently ridden at the Cumbrian track, the seven-year-old arrived on the scene pulling a cart on the long run to the last and he only had to be nudged out to maintain his unbeaten record at the track. 

Smart according to the numbers that day, he clearly arrives here in the form of his life and with another strongly run race almost guaranteed looking at the personal in today’s line-up, everything should set up perfectly for a horse who likes to chase down a sound pace. 

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14:50 Curragh

Chances aplenty in this traditional premier handicap and KENDALL ROY (best price 7-1) and GREEK FLOWER (best price 25-1) have the attributes to play a significant role if things go their way.

The former has been a huge success story in recent times and Kate McGivern’s three-year-old’s winning spree might not be finished just yet. Just beaten once in four starts so far this term, he posted one of his best performances when capturing a valuable C&D handicap last time out and with the time figure speaking favourably of his display, he thoroughly deserves a chance against the older horses. 

The latter didn’t quite cut the mustard in a similar race to this on her final start last term, but she might have been feeling the effects of a long, hard season. Back in action following a 229-day break at Down Royal just over a week ago, the daughter of Australia received plenty of trouble in running at a crucial stage and she left the impression she has plenty more to offer for the rest of the campaign. 

Victorious over today’s course last season, albeit over an extra furlong, the rain that has fallen in the last 24 hours boosts the chances of John Feane’s mare more than most and she looks overprices at 25-1 based on her overall profile. 

15:00 Uttoxeter

HANG IN THERE (best price 15-2) is one of the more senior members of today’s party, but he brings a level of class to the table not many can match and even under top weight, Emma Lavelle’s gelding is expected to play a significant role. 

By no means disgraced in last season’s Old Roan Chase at Aintree, the 10-year-old has just had two starts since and with the latest of the pair proving that he stays a well-run three miles, he now has more options going forward. 

A smooth traveller with a strong preference for good ground, this previous course winner should be good enough to put himself in a position to capture the prize turning for home at the very least.

15:10 Cartmel

FIVEONEFIVE (best price 10-1) ran out a game winner of this race twelve months ago and following an unlucky experience at Listowel last time out, Cian Collins’ inmate has a better chance of defending his crown than his morning odds suggest. 

Badly hampered on the run down to the fourth hurdle, he proceeded to almost trip over himself at the one in front of the stands first time around and from that point he was virtually ruled out as far as winning the race was concerned. 

It what became a damage limitation exercise on the final circuit, the six-year-old did well to finish where he did under the circumstances, and it was at least a performance that suggested he remains in reasonable shape.

Best when coming through strongly from the back of the field in a well-run environment, those tactics were seen to good effect off the same mark last season and with conditions to suit, the son of Dylan Thomas can go well in his bid to repeat the dose. 

The other Irish raider Je T’Ai Porte commands respect on the evidence of his latest exploits but the other to add to the shortlist is the only other C&D winner in the field, LUTTRELL LAD (best price 6-1). 

An excellent fourth in the hugely competitive Swinton Hurdle at Haydock when last seen, he too proved his liking for today’s unique course on his only previous visit this time last year and there appears no obvious reason why he won’t put up a bold bid to keep 

16:45 Uttoxeter

MAXCEL (best price 11-2) won in convincing fashion at Bangor last time out and he looks the one most likely to ruffle the feathers of the in-form Mostly Sunny. 

Shaping as though badly in need of the run after a 534-day break previously, Mel Rowley’s gelding looked a good deal sharper in every aspect at the Welsh track and once picking up the running travelling well two out, he only had to be nudged out to record a cosy victory. 

Tim wise, his performance was easily the best on the card and with similar underfoot conditions in his favour, another positive display should be forthcoming.