TimeformBlog

14:30 - Ben Haslam has the opening juvenile at his mercy, with favourite Dance For Livvy and lively newcomer Operateur having the race between them. The latter was superior on the Flat and probably shouldn't be as big a price as he is in relation to his stable-companion, but the hurdling experience Dance For Livvy can boast is invaluable when it comes to placepotting in races such as this.

15:00 - Mawsem gave a hint last time that his heart might not be entirely in it, but even so what he achieved in finishing second to subsequent winner Joker Choker makes him the form standout, and it's very difficult indeed to envisage him finishing outside the first three places.

15:30 - No surprise at all to see Aghill popular as favourite on his first start for the outstanding Lawney Hill. She's a better trainer than Rose Dobbin, pure and simple, though even on his old form he'd rate a serious player in this staying handicap. Maid In Moscow has been running riot over fences of late, and it remains to be seen how he fares returned to the smaller obstacles, so Mrs Eff is preferred as back-up. She stays well and, after a sound effort last time, can be expected to go well again over this still longer trip.

16:00 - It's not easy to be adamant about any of those who contest the seven-runner handicap chase which follows. Overbranch's form comes in fits and starts, so now is probably the time to be siding with her after she bounced back to something like her best round here four weeks ago. She's selected, but a slightly stronger fancy is Justwhateverulike, who drops back to what is probably a more suitable trip having looked in good heart over further last time.

16:30 - I'm having a small bet on Naxox in the two-mile handicap chase. He's moved to Peter Hiatt, and if any ability remains intact can't help but prove a force from his much-reduced mark. That is a big 'if', however, and he's not one for our purposes. Balnagore, on the other hand, makes plenty of appeal after a good second at Perth last weekend. With the race being as low-level as it is, it's probably best to take out some insurance in the form of Authentic Act after he showed himself in good heart by winner here last month.

17:00 - Lisbon Lion remains trying over further but, even so, his form is enough to make him a banker selection in the final leg, even ahead of last-time winners Provost and Border Tale.


Selections: 16 lines
14:30 - 3,7
15:00 - 7
15:30 - 6,10
16:00 - 3,4
16:30 - 2,4
17:00 - 6

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