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A tricky three-horse race and while Newtide makes his first appearance over fences, he was comfortably the best of the trio over hurdles. Very hopeful of a winning chase debut.

Heavy ground and an uphill finish are ideal for Lord of the Island who has been in flying form at home. He stays further than this and I would be shocked if he wasn't in the first three.

Bernadelli is well into the veteran stage and comes here after a year when he made it to the track only once. There was never anything wrong with him, just that he needs soft to heavy ground and that was in short supply. Conditions are to his liking now and from a decent handicap mark…

Uncle Jonty won his first point-to-point handily enough but then encountered a little problem. He does have ability but this is his first day back and if he runs a nice race I'll be happy. Then how he is tomorrow morning will be the main thing.

Broughtons Rhythm is such a consistent horse it seems astonishing that he remains a maiden over fences as a 10-year-old. He's been second so often that his honesty is questioned but while he does try, sadly he always seems to find one horse better than him. He's a very sound jumper and he loves this…

It will depend on whether No Trumps has recovered sufficiently from last week's exertions when she won so well at Wetherby. She runs off the same mark (up 8lb from tomorrow) and she seems very well so it's worth taking the gamble.

Paseo has run with credit on both of his appearances over hurdles. There is still a ton of improvement in him. His jumping was much slicker last time at Kempton and he has continued to school well at home. As a three-year-old he is well treated in the weights.

Square Viviani ran better than his finishing position here last month would indicate. He is on a good mark for a horse of his ability. On ground that will suit, if everything falls right for him, he can be involved in the finish.

This huge horse had a good run at Ludlow last season when he was beaten a long way while showing promise. This is a better race but he is stronger now and should be placed.

Black Kettle ran well here last time and is entitled to have come on for that first run of the season. Trip, track and ground will be no problem so a big run is expected.

Young Lieutenant is a nice bumper horse from last year. He has schooled well at home and although he will appreciate further in time, he should be able to show himself well today.

Pride of Lecale should win this. He's been in great form, is well handicapped and this is his ground.

Crossgalesfamegame stayed on well last time and the extra distance will help. She is available at a decent price and I think she could easily make the frame.

Boy in the Bar should run well. This is competitive but he has form on the track over the trip and put in an excellent effort at Sandown last time in a hot claiming handicap.

Late Date is another that enjoys it round here where he is a course and distance winner. He ran well at Kelso on his seasonal debut, has come on for the run and is likely to be thereabouts.

Excalibur ran really well when third at Kelso and he is finally beginning to find his form at the level. He goes well for today’s rider and has each way chances in an open race.

I've been trying to find a 0-75 for Commit No Nuisance, but there just aren't the races. He goes all right though and I think he's quite well handicapped so off his light weight I'd have to be hopeful each-way.

Good And Hardy is a solid type who loves soft ground. Hopefully it will be suitable enough today. In his correct ground I think he is well handicapped and should go close.

Sea Sovereign runs off his lowest-ever mark but I would have been happier if he had a better draw. He has to win someday and we're taking 7lb off which should help to a degree.