NEWMARKET
A few who should be finding similar races before long but POISSON d'OR shaped as though retaining ability in a better Ascot handicap recently and the return to 7f should suit. Comrade Bond, Pashan Garh and Mutafaakir all have hopes but Dashwood is in good form now the tongue-tie has been refitted and he looks the main danger.[Emily Weber]
14:20 HANDICAP 1m 6f - Live on
A whole host of potential improvers in this and whatever wins will need to be significantly better than their current mark. David Lanigan is in good form and BIOGRAPHER reappears on an appealing mark based on his Listed win when last seen in October, and there's the prospect of lots more to come too. Tiger Cliff also has the scope for significant progress on just his fifth start, while Caravan Rolls On is also feared as he goes well fresh and was an unlucky fifth last time out in September. [Ben Hutton]
14:55 HANDICAP 6f - Live on
The key piece of form may well be the C&D handicap won decisively by SECRETINTHEPARK (nap) over C&D on 2,000 Guineas day, when he had a clutch of these behind. Even at the revised weights, this progressive and unbeaten colt has strong prospects of confirming the form with those behind, with runner-up Brazen perhaps booked for the same spot again ahead of AW winner Rivellino and Bapak Sayang. [Mel Cullinan]
15:30 KING CHARLES II STAKES (LISTED) 7f - Live on
A race that revolves around DUNDONNELL, who is a class above these rivals on last season's 2yo form and though not so good on his return here last month, that run was said to have been needed and 1m probably stretched him. He can make class tell in this easier grade, very possibly at the main expense of the progressive Baltic Knight. [Mel Cullinan]
16:05 FAIRWAY STAKES (LISTED) 1m 2f
THA'IR sets a clear standard on his very good 2yo form last year and though there is some room for doubt on pedigree about this Derby entry lasting out the 1m2f, none of his four rivals have compelling enough claims to oppose him. Mister Impatience, who may well front-run as he did when second in the Chester Vase last time, could be the main danger. [Mel Cullinan]
Mr Fitzroy improved to secure second at Goodwood in September and there is more to come this year, but preference is still for GRANELL, who is the form pick on last autumn's highly promising debut second at Newbury. His yard's runners often improve markedly for their first run. [Mel Cullinan]
PRINCE'S TRUST sets a good standard on his latest Goodwood third and it's also likely that he is better than that as the first two had gone clear before he got a run. There should be more to come from Mutanaweb, a half-brother to Total Gallery and Lady Darshaan who was a green fourth on debut. The dam of Song And Dance Man is a sister to Group 1 winners such as Yesterday and Quarter Moon, and he is the most interesting newcomer. [Ben Hutton]
Five in-form and progressive runners in an interesting handicap in which none of them can be safely ruled out. BRASS RING built on his promising debut run when winning decisively for his top yard upped to 1m4f last time and may be the answer, ahead of Cafe Society. [Mel Cullinan]
DONCASTER
17:25 APPRENTICE HANDICAP 1m 4f
Phase Shift has found improvement over hurdles this spring for the tongue-tie going on and is an obvious starting point off a handy Flat mark. Recent easy winner El Bravo will have fans, but his turf efforts do match up to what he has done on the AW, and the vote goes to BRIGADOON, whose yard has been going well and who'll be happier back up in distance.[Graham Wheldon]
17:55 MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES 5f
Juveniles from the John Quinn yard usually improve a good bit for a run, but Polish Herrik only shaped fairly first time and will need to step up if he's to overcome the outside stall. There's a good chance this will go to a newcomer then, with Fair Ranger and ECCLESTON, whose yard won this with debutants in 2008 and 2009, likely looking types.[Graham Wheldon]
18:25 MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES 6f
Tomintoul Magic and DREAM CAST are open to further improvement and the vote goes to the Simcock runner, who's quite well regarded and should be happier on tonight's forecast better ground.[Graham Wheldon]
There was a lot to like about the way CAPE PERON (nap) won his maiden at Newbury last month and there could well be more to come. Kerbaaj had excuses in the Fielden Stakes last time and plenty will give him another chance now handicapping off 82, while the market will provide some clues with Goodwood Mirage on his first start for a new yard.[Graham Wheldon]
AFRICAN OIL raced keenly and found traffic on his recent AW comeback, and that effort would suggest this mark is within range. Entwined, who shaped well enough behind a progressive winner on her comeback, could give him most to do.[Graham Wheldon]
20:05 FILLIES HANDICAP 1m 2f 60yds
RHAGORI is more exposed than the unbeaten Albasharah but she is 5lb better off for finishing 1l behind the Godolphin filly in October and last month's decent eighth at Epsom could give her an edge in terms of race-fitness. Oojooba is yet to win a handicap but her Listed third could be a sign that she has improved, while Moment In Time could defy a 13lb rise given how easily she won last time, albeit in an apprentices' handicap.[Ben Hutton]
Plenty of possibles in a wide-open sprint and although the best pace could be amongst the high numbers, there are a few who can go forward berthed in single-figure stalls. Dorback made a good start for his new connections last week and ought to make another bold bid, while the promise of Chunky Diamond's penultimate start shouldn't be forgotten, but this could be the day to catch RASAMAN. He goes well for today's rider, won a competitive C&D handicap last summer and is on a handy mark.[Paul Smith]
BANGOR
13:55 MAIDEN HURDLE 2m 1f
ACCORDINGTOJODIE has been off the track since a disappointing stable debut in late 2010 but Nicky Henderson is likely to have him ready to roll and he is given another chance to build on the promise shown when winning an Irish bumper. Just Cameron and Separate Shadows have also showed ability in bumpers and should both be in the thick of things. [Chris Wilson]
14:30 HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 4f
A low-grade handicap in which it could be worth going with FEAST OF FIRE, who should be suited by the return to this trip and the switch to handicaps. He's taken to get the better of Ashcott Boy. [Richard Young]
15:05 NOVICES CHASE 2m 1f 110y
Majorica King made a pleasing start to his chase career last month but that form lacks substance and it's difficult to erase the memory of his frustrating hurdling career. Monte Cavallo has the ability to pose to pose a threat if taking to fences but the suggestion is MULLIGAN'S MAN, who won four times last year and seemed to be going okay before unseating his rider at Kempton on Sunday. [Chris Wilson]
15:40 HANDICAP CHASE 2m 4f 110y
The improved form shown by BRODY BLEU in recent weeks has coincided with his switch to decent ground but there is plenty of evidence from his time in France that the forecast rain won't scupper his chance. He could defy a penalty to complete his hat-trick, possibly at the main expense of Overnight Fame. [Chris Wilson]
16:15 HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 1f
Rime Avec Gentil appeared to take his form to a new level when contributing to his stable's good recent run at Worcester on Sunday and is respected under his penalty but slight preference if for SCOGLIO, who went close in a decent race at Fontwell on Wednesday. A return to form from Gud Day would not surprise. [Chris Wilson]
There is a host of newcomers from respected stables who look the part on paper and the betting should help to sort Playhara, De Grae Clouding, Ellin's Tower, Handmaid and Frangipani Lady into some sort of pecking order but DOWN ACE sets them a good standard after winning in good style at Cheltenham last month. Blue Buttons has also shown ability. [Chris Wilson]
17:20 HUNTERS CHASE 3m 110y
Surenaga and Round Tom should go close but this can be another course win for THAT'S RHYTHM (nap), who has conditions to suit and comes here on the back of a fluent win in points. [Richard Young]
NEWBURY
13:30 MAIDEN STAKES 1m 2f 6y
He never figured at Chester ten days ago but this galloping track should suit RUSSIAN REALM a great deal better and his one run as a 2yo showed that he should be capable of a bold show. Gold Medal and International Love shaped very well on their debuts at Kempton and are next on the list, but the likes of Saskatchewan and Dare To Achieve might also be big improvers in an essentially very unexposed field. Retirement Plan is one of the newcomers to note.[Richard Austen]
14:05 JLT ASTON PARK STAKES (LISTED) 1m 5f 61y - Live on
Harris Tweed sets the standard but he did not by any means always give his running last term and should have competition for the lead. In the circumstances, the suggestion is that this will pan out nicely for the Ebor winner WILLING FOE, who has one of the more promising first-time-out records. Jehannedarc has a form chance and Gallipot was improving when she was last in action.[Richard Austen]
14:40 HANDICAP 6f 8y - Live on
With the stalls in the centre those drawn high don't have quite the worry about getting a clear run and KHAWATIM should go well back on turf. He has gone from strength to strength on the AW of late but is no one-trick pony as he was a promising 2yo on turf in France and won't mind too much what the weather does. Modern Tutor is a fascinating newcomer to handicaps back from an absence, with Hallelujah another who is open to improvement this year. Prodigality has already proved himself at a similar level, though, and there are no ifs and buts about him in these big-field handicaps.[Emily Weber]
15:15 HANDICAP 1m 2f 6y - Live on
Hillstar seemed to have a lot of confidence behind him in the betting on his reappearance and coming off second best that day was actually a big improvement in form terms. He is highly respected but TARIKHI is likely to be a big improver over middle distances this season and is selected to prove it first time out. Spillway, who is on a four-timer, is next on the list but Kitten On The Run, who was unbeaten in Italy, certainly needs a market check.[Richard Austen]
15:50 JLT LOCKINGE STAKES (GROUP 1) 1m - Live on
Declaration Of War may well be an exciting prospect but he has to take a substantial step up if he's to emerge on top in this Group 1 ahead of the thoroughly established high-class older horses Farhh and CITYSCAPE (nap). Of that pair, Farhh is probably just the better horse but 1m is the bare minimum for him and he will surely need another forcing ride and to return in peak shape if he is to make the most of his good opportunity on form. Over this trip, Cityscape, who ran away with a huge prize first time out in 2012, gets the vote. Beauty Parlour is the other one who stands out from the majority on form, with Fencing feared most among the rest.[Richard Austen]
ROYAL CHALLIS sets a reasonable standard on his Salisbury form and he persevered well enough there to think there should be more to come from him back at 7f. John Gosden's newcomer Shamal is interesting, as are Plover, whose yard is in excellent form, and Quintet. Hopefully, the market will provide some guidance as to their chances.[Emily Weber]
Narmin could prove best of the newcomers but battle-hardened pair You're The Boss and THAKANA can fight it out. With the latter's narrow Lingfield second (pair clear) receiving a boost on Thursday night the John Hills-trained filly gets the call.[Andrew Mount]
All eight previous winners of this race had just the one prior success to their names and five of the last six started at 16-1 or bigger. Recent maiden winners Reqaaba and Azenzar are likely to be popular but it could be worth chancing up-in-trip AMBERLEY HEIGHTS, who was taken off her feet behind Zanetto (winner here yesterday) at Newmarket on her comeback.[Andrew Mount]
UTTOXETER
17:35 NOVICE HURDLE 2m 4f 110yds
This looks a good opportunity for LETSBY AVENUE, who's only lacklustre effort came in the mud and who bounced back with a decent effort behind a progressive rival last time. Toubeera and Trumix can chase him home.[Stuart Redding]
18:10 SELLING HURDLE 2m 4f 110yds
MOLON LABE (nap) is much the likeliest winner, as he is in good form, is proven in conditions and goes particularly well for Adam Wedge. Lauberhorn hasn't always wanted to go past but is the obvious choice for second.[Stuart Redding]
Flash Harriet certainly deserves to find a race while Acapulco Bay comes here in peak form after a recent Flat win, but Onedin Line and particularly IT'S A NEW DAY have scope for significant progress now that they move into handicap company.[Stuart Redding]
With ground and weight issues for Accessallareas, this might be fought out by CAPTAIN PAULIE and Coeur De Fou. Captain Paulie might not have run particularly well last time, but he would have every chance if rediscovering his previous form whereas Coeur De Fou is starting to look a slightly weak finisher.[Stuart Redding]
19:45 HANDICAP CHASE 2m 4f
None have compelling claims but LE GRAND CHENE has won in similar circumstances before and could easily bounce back from a couple of lacklustre recent displays. Kap West and Master Milan are best of the rest.[Stuart Redding]
20:20 MARES HANDICAP HURDLE 3m
Midnight Macarena is the obvious one but she really took to the brush hurdles at Southwell last time and there is no guarantee that she will be equally effective over these obstacles. At the likely prices, it might be worth taking a chance on the unexposed BALLINAHOW STAR.[Stuart Redding]
Previous form is thin on the ground but Perfect Poison should build on his debut effort. He'll need to though, with WHEN I'M SIXTYFOUR and Beau De Tabel likely sorts on paper.[Stuart Redding]
THIRSK
14:15 MAIDEN FILLIES STAKES 5f
A high draw is usually ideal but less so when the ground is softer and most of the more obvious options are drawn low. PRINCESS ROSE and Ventura Mist are closely matched through one formline and both look sure to feature, along with Woodland Girl.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones]
Pace across the track. Oldjoesaid and Cruise Tothelimit should both go well and in making cases for them you have to fancy CADEAUX PEARL, who wasn't far behind either of those in his first two runs and, although below his best at Goodwood, that's now four times he's disappointed there.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones]
The Ripon affair won by Klynch is clearly a key race with the first four all reopposing and, while runner-up Dick Bos is the one open to improvement, the winner can go on a roll once striking form. However, also interesting is HEAD SPACE, who can leave his recent disappointments behind returned to a straight track.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones]
There should be no shortage of pace on here with Noble Storm\o and Bosun Breeze unlikely to hang about and that will suit STEPS, who was without the blinkers when a bit sluggish on his comeback at Goodwood and hopefully the lowest stall won't prove too great an inconvenience with conditions likely to soften up. Pearl Blue should also be on the scene.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones]
16:35 MAIDEN STAKES 1m 4f
Fly Solo sets the standard on his second in handicap company two runs back but he did disappoint badly last time. Just Darcy may improve but it's not hard to chance CALEDONIA, who boasts some really good bumper form and he won't mind how wet it gets.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones]
Ruth Carr has a couple of potentially well-handicapped entries, notably last year's winner Al Muheer, while Our Boy Jack looked to be coming to the boil at Musselburgh last time and is back to his last winning mark. GREEN HOWARD's career has been one of steady progression though and he should be sharper with last month's return to action under his belt.[Paul Smith]
Mash Potato might have more to come this year and won't mind the conditions but WAR LORD and Krupskaya pulled a long way clear of their rivals over C&D last week and still look feasibly treated. The former is fancied to confirm the form despite an 8lb rise in the weights.[Paul Smith]
18:20 MAIDEN STAKES 1m 4f
Fair Loch and Stopped Out are interesting recruits from the jumping game, while Tefflah ran a better race upped to this trip last time and is respected. BOLD SNIPER (nap) looks a potential big improver with his initial outing under his belt though and he gets the nod.[Paul Smith]
WEXFORD
14:10 FILLIES MAIDEN 1m 3f 160yds
A really tricky maiden in which it is difficult to make a hugely persuasive case for any of the sextet. DALUKA should improve for this extra trip and is a tentative pick. [Johnny Ward]
14:45 STAKES (3YO) 1m 3f 160yds
Based on official ratings and with sex allowances taken into account the fillies look the two to concentrate on here with NABAT ALI selected to hold off Majestic Jasmine. [Alan Hewison]
15:20 HANDICAP 1m 3f 160yds
It is probably worth taking a chance that Wednesday's Naas second LAS ENCINAS (nap) has improved sufficiently to reverse Limerick form with Sweet Refusal. As a half-brother to a Group 1-winning filly Longshadow is noteworthy off 64 in his first handicap. [Alan Sweetman]
15:55 APPRENTICE HANDICAP 1m 6f
Quite competitive and Beau Michael will have plenty of supporters over a track which should suit as will recent Tipperary second Concrete And Clay but slight preference is for BLUE CANNON who looks capable of success off this type of mark. [Alan Hewison]
A difficult race to assess as the ground could change with rain forecast and on that basis GOTHEN NIECE is taken to prevail after a promising recent run. Celestial Prospect and Teajaybe could also be worth considering in an open race. [Gavin Lynch]
17:00 AMATEUR MAIDEN STAKES 2m
UN BEAU MATIN was a revelation on his latest hurdles start. Good ground seems to have made all the difference to him, and if it does not deteriorate here he can follow up at the main expense of the versatile Saint Gervais and the once-raced Dynaperformer. [Alan Sweetman]
17:30 MARES NAT HUNT FLAT 2m
Willie Mullins took this last year with Chiltern Hills and his debutante Tirauli could be a warm order here. Preference, however, is for FROMDOLLARSTOEUROS to build on a promising Tramore debut. Plenty with each-way claims including Emmy Lou. [Alan Hewison]
18:00 MARES NAT HUNT FLAT 2m
Robina Mai has looked a little limited to date and is opposed here by two newcomers from major flat yards with top lady jockeys booked with Dermot Weld's WANDERING STAR preferred over the Kevin Prendergast-trained Katie T. [Alan Hewison]
