2.35 Perth - Mr Mole
The Heineken UK Handicap Chase features a few horses who have a bit to prove today.
For one, Duke Of Navan returns from a 550-day break. He has been lightly raced in his 15-race career and has now dropped to a mark of 140. The handicapper has given him a chance and there has been money for him overnight which is a good sign for his followers.
Valseur Du Granval improved throughout 2016 and may still have scope for improvement. He makes his debut this year and like Duke Of Navan it will be interesting to see whether the money comes for him.
MR MOLE has dropped down to his lowest ever mark over fences and is a fascinating runner. He joined Ben Haslam's yard having won eight races under the guidance of Paul Nicholls, reaching an official mark of 165 in his pomp.
He has regressed significantly and has shown pretty much nothing for Haslam up until his last run at Sedgefield. He was fitted with first-time blinkers and showed a lot of zest, bowling along from the front until taking a bad fall at the last when beaten.
Turning in he was travelling as well as anything and got headed two out over two miles, three and a half furlongs.
This afternoon he drops back to two miles which will be more to his liking and has dropped down another 6lb for his last effort.
There's hope he may get an easy time of it up front and it's not hard to see him out-running his odds of 12/1.
3.35 Perth - Ryalex
RYALEX's chase career has been more miss than hit of late but there was a lot more promise on his most recent start. He jumped far more accurately in comparison to most of his chase runs and only faded late to finish third to Halcyon Days and Spiculas, who he reopposes in today's Congratulations To Brian Hughes From Stobart Chase.
The easy-to-back Spiculas heads the market and Ryalex is around the 13/2 mark and in my opinion there is every chance he will appreciate the sharp course on better ground more than the favourite.
At the prices, he is definitely the value.
There is also a chance he could get an easy lead which will take some pressure off his jumping.
Smoking Jackets has a bit to prove after a layoff. Chain Of Beacons is running well and should also give his showing.
3.50 Epsom - Review
Luke Morris got Faithful Creek into a lovely position early and looked set to strike two furlongs out.
However, the horse had nothing to give when asked and weakened quickly.
Jimmy Quinn gave Brorocco a nice patient ride and he can continue to go well on similar tracks.
Great Hall did best of those who forced the pace and could be of interest in the near future.
