- SMURFETTE was a gutsy winner over and extended 3m here earlier in the month and looks progressive enough to handle stepping up in trip from just 3lb higher. Lilting Verse was a well-held fourth in that race but could feasibly get closer over this longer distance. However, Copshill Lad is a more proven stayer and could be a bigger danger.
- SHADOWFAX OF ROHAN made a pleasing winning debut for the Patrick Neville yard at Catterick last month and wasn't disgraced when second and well clear of the rest under a penalty back there soon after. Still unexposed over fences, the six-year-old gets the vote. Classical Sting is open to progression in this sphere and is noted after a confidence-boosting second over hurdles here last time. Catchim is more a more wily chaser than Known Warrior and looks a better alternative.
- INDULTO ROUGE, the winner of a point-to-point before joining David Pipe, should find this easier than the Listed race he contested at Ascot in December. Having had a wind problem addressed since, the five-year-old can kick on. Tandy's Bridge showed promise on his sole start in Ireland and is dangerous to underestimate, despite running too freely to justify favouritism on debut for Tom Ellis at Warwick, while Scaredofnothing ran green at Wincanton but posted an encouraging enough debut effort to make the shortlist in this company.
- JACK THE SAVAGE makes a good bit of appeal in here. He improved for the extra yardage when scoring narrowly at Hereford latest and connections have found their gelding another very winnable opening. Peckforton Hills is the main danger on the back of a couple of solid efforts at Sedgefield and Doncaster, while Big Bert could go well in a first-time tongue-tie.
- HILLBERRY HILL has a penalty to contend with here for his maiden hurdle success in Ireland, but he really improved for the step up to this trip that day at Thurles and is taken to go in again. The Flier Begley is hugely experienced over fences and is interesting pitched in here, while Sea Of Fortune is surely better than what he showed in a Chepstow bumper.
- FINE CASTING was a solid second at Uttoxeter when last seen over hurdles and, having scored over fences since, the Ben Pauling inmate is interesting reverting to timber under 7lb claimer Elliott England. Karton Plein's third at Lingfield gives him every chance and he's certainly one to bear in mind, while others to note include Codetalker and Isle Of Sark.
- Kylenoe Dancer must be taken seriously on the back of her ready Fontwell success, but BRAVETHEWAVES brings winning C&D form to the table and is slightly more appealing on the back of an impressive Doncaster triumph over the larger obstacles. He could be the way to go, but it's also worth keeping a close eye on Cher Monsieur sporting first-time cheekpieces.
- FALLS OF ACHARN has been found an ideal opportunity to gain a second victory over hurdles. Paul Nicholls' juvenile was outclassed in the Adonis at Kempton last time but this is a much easier task on paper. Sinchi Roca clearly wasn't right at Fontwell on his latest start and it wouldn't be a surprise if he bounced back, while Ettore needs to step forward from his hurdling debut effort at Newbury.
- Lady Caro has to enter the reckoning based on her runner-up effort over C&D last time, having finished well clear of the third. However, the vote goes to NEWMILL GETAWAY. Fergal O'Brien's mare has been knocking on the door over hurdles this season and this might be the time to catch her. Others for the shortlist include Kantagua Du Large and Jewel Eyed Judy.
- ST LUKES CHELSEA was beaten less than a length when third over C&D earlier in the month and the handicapper might have kind to only put him up 1lb for that effort. With the majority of his rivals having something to prove, Robert Walford's gelding has every chance of getting off the mark. Raging Al was no match for an easy winner on his handicap bow at Ludlow but remains capable of stepping forward. Man Oh Man and Castle Quarter are others to note.
- Ede'iffs Rock got back to winning ways over C&D when making it back-to-back victories in that contest last month. However, a 10lb rise does appear to be on the harsh side, so preference is for WICKED THOUGHTS. A winner over C&D on his penultimate start, a line can be put through his subsequent effort at Exeter and he is only 2lb higher than that success. Gyenyame appears best of the remainder.
- TREASURE PLANET gets in here off bottom weight for a powerful yard and makes plenty of appeal boasting an unexposed profile. He won a juvenile hurdle at Ludlow, was deemed good enough for Listed company at Aintree and wasn't disgraced on his handicap debut at Newbury latest when a close second. He makes more appeal than C&D winner Khafre and Siam Park.
- PRAIRIE QUEEN showed a lot more at Hereford last time when third in a handicap hurdle and this could be the time to catch her off a light weight and switching to fences. Bobbi's Beauty couldn't land a blow at Warwick but would have every chance on her previous form at Lingfield and Leicester, while Ryder's Rock is another to note.
- Representing connections who love having winners at this track, ARTABAN is a debutant very much to take seriously and master handler Paul Nicholls could hardly have found him a better opening. Those with form don't set a very high standard as Crest of Arms finished seventh on debut at Wincanton before another mediocre display at Cheltenham, albeit that was in Listed company. Arms Park will need to improve on his third-placed effort here.
- LAPIDARIST is an attractive proposition at this level and won't need to find much to gain a breakthrough success at the 12th time of asking. Taryn Langley gave her a power-packed ride over an extended 1m1f here 11 days ago and the partnership was unlucky to be pipped by a progressive rival near the finish. A 1lb nudge could be inconsequential as the David Simcock-trained filly bids to go one better. Quick Turn and Musical Soldier, who have been given chances by the handicapper, are the pick of the rest.
- SORTED posted his best effort yet with a close-up second over C&D last week. Forced to race wide in the latter stages on that occasion, it would be no surprise to see Billy Loughnane take a handier position sooner and the three-year-old could be tough to overhaul if that scenario plays out. Lexington Express and Buckland Belle have threatened to win races and may take advantage of reduced marks. However, the less-exposed Nautical Sky could be a better value alternative on handicap debut from a feasible rating.
- Several of these are old rivals and there is little to split the likes of Kento, Auntie Jo and Kipp Kelly based on recent encounters. However, this could be a good time to take another chance on HENERY HAWK, who is still handily weighted in comparison to his peak form. A previous C&D winner, Linda Perratt's seven-year-old has held his form well of late and is notably 3lb better off with the aforementioned Kento, who also benefitted from getting first run on him here earlier in the month.
- MONTEVETRO, an 800,000gns yearling and half-brother to Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney, ran green on debut at Chelmsford but it will be disappointing for his illustrious connections if he didn't learn enough to get off the mark at this level. Royal Standard was well held on both starts as a juvenile but also has a likeable enough pedigree to merit respect in a race of this nature. Stepanov disappointed as a well-backed favourite on his debut but is another feasible improver.
- OPTIMISTIC is the obvious place to start here and must have a great chance on the evidence of his Southwell third and close-up second here last time. He's going in the right direction and can strike, but it won't be easy because course scorer Flicka's Girl should run her usual honest race and be bang there. Autumn Angel is noted too.
- C&D winner TOMMYTWOHOOTS looks ready to get back to winning ways judged on his improved second at Chelmsford last time out. It looks a good move to come back to Wolverhampton and a race of this nature is well within his compass. Dr Ali was beaten just a neck into second here last time and commands respect, as does Black Cab.
- AMERICAN BAY gets just a tentative vote on the basis that his comeback run here 15 days ago was a performance full of promise. Not beaten far into third that day, he's entitled to have improved for the outing and could be difficult to stop with Billy Loughnane keeping the ride. Smooth Silesie has an absence to overcome but still requires attention and Beaumadier is interesting as well.
- This could be a really informative novice heat and BURDETT ESTATE must have every chance following a smooth C&D win in December. He made all that day and looks to be the pace angle again, so could dominate this small field. Merlier confirmed the promise of his debut second at Newcastle when winning impressively there 13 days ago and he's respected along with Nottingham scorer Time To Take Off.
- A really competitive handicap to close the card and Mr Nugget, a C&D winner, is taken to put a disappointing Newcastle effort on Saturday behind him back at this venue. Panama Black and Farasi Lane are a couple of others to be interested in, but FRANCESI gets the nod as he boasts good form here and can be forgiven one lacklustre effort at Newcastle last time. It's also worth noting that Billy Loughnane takes the ride.
- CLAVUS (3) could be the one to side with after a good effort when second at Chantilly in a Class 1 race 16 days ago. His main threat could be ANTHORUS (8) who has also performed well in Class 1 company recently when finishing third at Cagnes-Sur-Mer late in February. DOUBLE UP (9), scored at this track in a Class 3 handicap late in November when last seen and is hard to rule out of the top-three. OLYMPIC MESSAGE (6) ran well two runs back in a Class 2 race and has each-way aspirations as does SELF SOLUTION (15) who looks best of the remainder.
- SONIC (3) has a speedy pedigree and is trained by Christopher Head, who does well with juveniles. He can make a winning start at the expense of TOKAIDO (1), who was a 70,000 euros purchase and is trained by the shrewd Amy Murphy who can ready one to strike on debut. SAY SQUIRREL (6) is a daughter of Kodi Bear, so should have plenty of speed and is worth considering, as is TAXXI (8), who is worth a market check.
- JANNET (2) finished her race of strongly when just failing to get up when second at Fontainebleau in a maiden late last month. She can make amends and go one place better this time. Her main threat could be CALASITA (1), who can improve from her debut last October when showing signs of inexperience in a decent maiden at Deauville. TSAVERNA (9)ran well to be third in a Class 2 race at Chantilly on January 10th and can not be overlooked. JUST INSPIRATION (3) heads the rest.
- BAHI (3) showed plenty of promise when third on debut at Fontainebleau in a conditions race in late November over 1800m. He will know more this time and is given the vote ahead of COLBERT (4), who showed ability on his only start at Chantilly in a maiden race in early October last year. SORANO (5) has experience and has been placed on all three starts. He looks rock solid each-way. SHANOUR (2) ran well to be second at this track on his second start and can be involved at the finish.
- DEBROUILLARDE (7) looked like a smart prospect when scoring on her only run last year at Clairefontaine in August. She has been given time to mature and will be ready to go after an absence. She is preferred over WARRIORS WHISPER (12), who has Christophe Soumillon has been booked to ride and won on her sole start at Deauville in early February. ARKANSAS (10) ran well to be third in a Listed race in late October and has the best form on offer. LA CARRIERE (3) makes up the shortlist.
- EXQUISE ITALIENNE (3) could be the answer to this open handicap. She has been performing well with five solid efforts of late which includes a second over 1600m at this track in a handicap on March 5th with a few of today's rivals behind her. WESTMINSTER COYOTE (5), was back in fifth in the same handicap and has not got much ground to make up. INGEBORG (2), makes her handicap debut and has the right man on top doing the steering. YZYA (9) is another to consider each-way.
- YOKEN (2) scored over 1400m at this track in a Class 3 handicap and should have no issues with the slight rise in distance today and can confirm form with LAURENT (4), who was second when they met earlier this month and is meeting on better terms which makes things interesting. MEISHO VELITE (11).was behind in the same race and can be more effective over this extra distance. MONTGAUDRY (1) makes up the shortlist.
- PARVAGE (2) has shown talent in his three starts and will appreciate the step back up in distance today on his handicap debut. He is the tentative selection ahead of FAOLIO (7), who was a decent fourth in a maiden at Cagnes-Sur-Mer late in February when last appearing. PLAY THE GAME (14) has solid claims each-way from the foot of the handicap. LA MARITZA (3) is another to consider and should be involved at the business end.
- SIP'N' SPEED won impressively over C&D last time out and looks well-placed to follow up. Small Town Heroine won at this track two starts back and Blinging Burr drops in class.
- SOBIESKI won over C&D last time out and looks well-placed to follow up. Valid Connection has strong C&D form and could challenge, while Tetched is another with solid recent efforts.
- VODKATINI steps down in class after a close third at Laurel Park and could prove too strong. Here Kitty Kitty finished runner-up last time out. Beautiful Mandate may improve on recent efforts.
- TRULY INCLUSIVE looks well-placed to build on a solid runner-up effort over C&D last time out. Mobil Chic has shown good form here and could challenge. Feeling Easy may bounce back from a disappointing run.
- FAST TALKIN MAN looks well placed to build on his maiden win last time out. J J Valentin has been knocking on the door recently and Johnny Lies drops in class after some good efforts.
- MAC'S CAILIN drops in class and could bounce back to form after winning at this level last time. Lady Loves Money finished a good second in a similar race recently. Stick Around won last time and merits respect.
- BELLOFTHEBLUEGRASS won last time out and looks well-placed to follow up. Socialbutterflytam won over C&D last time and rates the main danger. Golden Degree finished second in a higher class race two starts back.
- HANDSOME PANTS narrowly missed out last time and looks set to go one better. Itsallaboutmebaby has been consistently placed in this class and could challenge. Globetrotting won over C&D recently and warrants respect.
- TELL AMERICA won impressively last time out and looks well-placed to follow up. Higher Heat has been consistent at this level and could chase home. Cha Chings Chick is an interesting contender stepping up in class.
- FOUR SWEET KID has strong recent form including a stakes place and looks the one to beat. Triple D Governor is a consistent performer at this level. Letsjustsay comes off back-to-back wins.
- SEAS OF NORMANDY has been consistent in this class and looks the one to beat. Fireman Dan steps up after a win last time and could challenge. Vekoma Kid is lightly raced but promising.
- VELOCIOUS steps down in class and could bounce back from a disappointing last run. A Real Jewel finished second over C&D last time. Sharp Attitude has solid form at this level.
- JOHN DUNBAR looks the one to beat after an impressive win over C&D last time out. Standard Of Proof placed in a similar race recently and merits consideration. Freeze 'em won at this track two starts back.
- THE MAN THE MYTH looks well-placed to build on a solid effort last time out. Riding By and Hacksaw Mountain are the main dangers.
- DJOSER steps down in class and could bounce back from a recent setback. Bang And A Boom is improving and may pose the main threat, while Yellow Jacket has solid course form and can't be discounted.
- DENADA has placed in her last four starts and looks the one to beat. Circle Of Fire finished runner-up last time and rates next best. Hazael can complete the placings.
- SHARP LORENZO won last time out and could follow up in this easier contest. Sidetown finished a close second recently and rates next best. Slick Country Boy is another to consider.
- OSAGE EXPRESS finished a close third last time out and could build on that effort. Oh My Vron showed improvement recently and R Two R Badbaker has placed before.
- WHISKEY DRINKER looks the one to beat after winning her last three starts, including a C&D victory last time out. So Jordan has strong claims following a win here, while Grace The Kingdom was a close second in this class recently.
- GRANDSONSAM finished a close second over C&D last time out and could go one better. Chi Town Road has shown ability at this level and may chase home, while Fancy Freida won impressively on her latest start.
- SIX GUN SALLY looks the one to beat after a strong runner-up effort over C&D last time out. Gospel Clarity has been consistent at this level and Brielle showed promise in recent starts.
- GOSPEL PRECIOUS looks well-placed to succeed after a good second in a higher class last time out. Because has been consistent at this level and could challenge, while Strikethreeyourout showed promise when runner-up over C&D.
- MARITUDE steps up in class but looks well-placed to build on a good second last time out. Gospel Share has shown consistency in recent runs. Myrna finished strongly for second two starts back.
- RAINBOW ANGEL looks well-placed to follow up on her last two wins, including a C&D victory. Woman's Intuition steps up in class after an impressive win. Miss Escapade won over C&D last time out.
- RIDEN THE LEGEND finished a promising third over C&D two starts back and could improve. Cherokee Will and Smiling Time are others to consider.
