14:10 Kempton

Nico de Boinville has undoubtedly had a week to forget at the Cheltenham Festival and he could do with a winner to settle the mind. FIRST STREET (a matched selection for Racing Lee) has yet to threaten in four chase starts but he was doing some eye-catching late work when fourth here last time out and must be given a chance off a 2lb lower mark. 

He’s down to a career-low mark of 128, which is 14lb lower than when he finished an honourable second to State Man in the 2022 County Hurdle. That form has again been upheld by the first, third, fifth, eighth and a host of others. If he can build on his latest effort here, there’s every chance this classy eight-year-old will end his long losing sequence.

First Street, 1pt WIN, 5/2

14:25 Uttoxeter

The Skeltons' runner is worthy of respect on the back of a couple of sound efforts in defeat over shorter trips, but his price is of no interest to me and the one who I’m mad keen on each-way is CHASINGOUTTHEBLUES. This six-year-old won his first couple of handicap starts and was then pitched into a hot race at Haydock. 

He was briefly outpaced but found a second wind until a faller right in front of him at the third last flight caused him to virtually come to a standstill. He ran on to finish third and the runner-up won the Pertemps yesterday, so the form is strong and he looks ready to make a major impact off only a pound higher mark. 

Chasingouttheblues, 0.5 pts E/W, 9/1

15:00 Uttoxeter

In the Midlands National, I really like FORTUNEDEFORTUNATA who beat a strong field to score at Punchestown last time out and has every chance with more to come over this distance. 

The way he cruised past some very good horses before rallying well after a bad mistake at the last fence to win comfortably was impressive to the eye. 

The second has boosted the form with a fine third in the National Hunt Chase this week. Off a handy mark and weight, the eight-year-old should go very well.

Fortunedefortunata, 0.5 pts E/W 9/1