Shorter trip ideal for Najca De Thaix
Emma Lavelle’s useful charge will be going for a third success in his last four starts in the Coral 1,550 Shops Nationwide Novices’ Handicap Chase.
This progressive seven-year-old has been mixing and matching hurdles and fences this season but is better treated over the larger obstacles.
He will appreciate the drop back to two miles and his recent hurdles victory at this track should have put him spot-on for this event.
Alpha Gamble can continue on the upward curve with a win in the coral.co.uk Handicap Chase
The eight-year-old has had some niggling problems in the past but connections have had a clear run of late and he showed his ability when winning at Folkestone last time.
Admittedly it was not the strongest race but he kept on well and looks to be a lightly-raced sort on the upgrade.
Starcross Maid looks sent from above for Southwell punters in the Book Early And Make 2008 Pontin’s-tastic Handicap.
Winning course form is usually a great pointer at this specialist all-weather venue and the selection is clearly in love with the place, recording all four of her career wins here.
Starcross Maid went a little off the boil after winning at Southwell in May, but had been showing plenty more zip of late before hitting the bullseye on her most recent outing.
In slamming seven rivals by five lengths and more just over a week ago, the six-year-old looked right on her game again, which spells trouble for some moderate-looking rivals.
Legend Erry is unlikely to offer much in the way of value after bolting up by 16 lengths at the track last week. However, it will at least prove fascinating to see if Jane Chapple-Hyam’s horse can register another emphatic success in the Book Pontin’s Now On 0844 815 3648 Handicap.
Two that should provide more in the way of punting opportunities are Taikoo and Sweet Pickle.
