Leicester

1.40 2m6f Class 3 Novice Handicap Chase – Cloth Cap 13/8

Knockrobbin looked like he was going to win LTO on his 3rd attempt over fences, when all around him looked to be struggling, he hit the front 2 out and looked in control until suddenly started paddling upfront and soon weakened, he’s had a wind operation since and if his breathing was the issue, then he’ll have a big say, but it’s hard to look past Cloth Cap who was bred for chasing and is no surprise to see him thriving since the switch to this code. He’s won his last 2, the last was very striking in a good class 3 at Catterick, the form has taken a huge boost with 3 from the 4 winning since who was all stuffed by Cloth Cap, he only goes up 9lb for the win which on his last piece of form alone, is not only weak but he looks progressive too.

Lingfield

1.50 1m2f Class 5 Handicap – Global Wonder 10/3

Simon Dow is in very good form at present and sends just the one to his usual stomping ground, Bobby Biscuit is very well bred for this grade but has been very unreliable, but he did impress LTO when upped in trip at Kempton from a bad draw, it would be no surprise to see him win here, but I’m surprised to see him tackling a shorter distance even if just a little less, so I’d sway to Global Wonder who although has a below average strike rate, his very consistent and unlucky not to win more, he has taken a recent liking to Lingfield and his recent close victory can be marked up as he had to cover a lot of ground on the wide outside and was slightly impeded in the straight but done very well to come back and reign Narjes back, he goes up 3lb for the win and is in a slightly better race, but with Adam Kirby booked and a nice draw in 1, he looks set to defy the rise.

Leicester

2.40 2m4f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle – Townshend 7/1

Jaisalmer is interesting with Nico De Boinville back onboard, he’s under last winning mark and will love the predicted testing ground, I am however put off by the galloping track, he clearly thrives on sharp tracks and so attentions turn to Townshend who makes just his 3rd start for the inform Nigel Twiston-Davies yard, the geldings last win over hurdles was for Willie Mullins nearly 3 years back but he’s only ran over hurdles twice since which was recent, he was rated 145 over fences just last year and comes here off just 127. His last effort was pleasing in a tough 0-150 where he tried to make all and looked very well until tiring quickly, he’s been given a wind operation which if works and can sustain maximum effort for longer then it will make him very dangerous in this much weaker 0-125 race.

Plumpton

4.00 3m1f Class 4 Handicap Chase – Midnight Bliss 4/1

Sandhurst Lad ran a very respectful 3rd on just his 3rd race over fences, he was very strong in the finish and looked like he wanted further, he does get that wish here and although winning around Plumpton in the past, a more testing track would be his preference rather than this sharp track IMO. Midnight Bliss beat Cucklington LTO around a similar style track to this, while Cucklington is 1lb better off here and weighted to reverse the form, Midnight Bliss is very unexposed and has a great opportunity to add to her fantastic strike rate over fences.

Brought to you by Russell Blair Racing