Sedgefield 1-25 Handicap Chase (Class 4) 19f

BEAT THE EDGE (nap) posted a premier LTO speed rating of 83 when finishing second to Roccowithlove at Catterick a few weeks ago, despite the three mile trip on heavy ground stretching him stamina to the max.

The form of that race has been franked since too, with the winner running five points faster when following up at the same venue a fortnight later.

Today's drop back in trip is likely to help the selection's cause, as will the drying ground, but a one grade hike in class means he will need to retain his competitive edge.

Pencilled in odds of 5-1 help to keep me interested in him as a betting proposition.

Fontwell 3-25 Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 19f

OUR CHAMP posted a list-dominant speed rating of 81 when chasing home Churchills Boy at Plumpton last month, and if running a similar race today could easily go one place better, especially as the easier nature of this track should enable him to come home stronger. Pencilled in odds of 4-1 are another reason to look to get involved.

Fontwell 4-00 Handicap Chase (Class 5) 22f

TWASN'T THE PLAN (nb) rates top on the clock for this ten-runner handicap chase, courtesy of his third to Lincoln Lyn at Fakenham earlier in the month. Returning after a break of over 500 days on that occasion, the gelding is likely to be a fair bit straighter this afternoon, which is another reason why he could go two places better against similar class opposition. A 13-2 shot in the betting forecast, I'll definitely be a player at those kind of odds.

Naas 12-57 Novices Chase 25f

RAMILLIES posted a list-dominant speed rating of 120 when scoring at Thurles on his chasing debut in December, and with conditions to suit this afternoon he could easily take another step forward and follow up. Blessed with plenty of natural speed, it will also help the selection's cause if the Naas track continues to dry out between now and post time.

Naas 2-07 Maiden Hurdle 16f

ALMUHIT hinted at better things to come over hurdles when finishing second to Metamorpheus at Punchestown a fortnight ago, a performance that also saw him register a top figure of 93. Today's drying conditions could also help the selection cause, as he was a good ground winner at Haydock in May of last year. Pencilled in at 6-1 on the early tissue, I'd rather take those odds than the 7-4 about the lower scoring Sinbad Le Marin (64).

Southwell 3-00 Novices Hurdle (Class 4) 16f

STRONG LEADER made it two from two over hurdles when scoring readily at Aintree in December, a performance that also saw him generate a speed rating big enough to put him top on the clock for today's one grade lower contest. The form of that race has been franked since too, with the runner-up winning easily at Wetherby next time out.