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15:10 Newmarket Seven year old mare Blue Sea Of Ibrox looks to have found a new lease of life since reverting back to racing on the level and still looks be on the up despite her late start. A disappointing sort over jumps, she took only four attempts to get off the mark when winning easily at Pontefract last time and though this extra yardage poses a question she is taken to cause a minor shock and go in again. Paddy’s Runner is an interesting challenger at the bottom of the weights and he won nicely over hurdles at Bangor when last seen. His yard are known for the exploits on the level so strong market vibes would be most interesting. Brittleton disappointed at Chester when chasing the hat-trick but had previously looked progressive, he is another high on the list and wouldn’t be the only one to bounce back after flopping at Chester. Rite To Reign took this last year but must carry 5lbs extra this time around, for the most part he has been disappointing this term but he has every chance of bouncing back against these and is respected. Handiwork is tough and consistent and deserves a win, he may not be that well handicapped however and as such he is probably a placed prospect at best. Blue Sea Of Ibrox (E/W)
15:00 Uttoxeter This looks a very interesting novice chase with three former very decent hurdlers lining up. Garde La Victoire represents the Hobbs yard and has won more than half of his career starts to date, he has always looked the sort to be even better over the larger obstacles and he beat Bristol De Mai ( Re-opposes today ) with ease when they met at Sandown last term. A hardy sort, his no nonsense style of running could well prove too much for these and if his jumping holds firm, he is taken to run them ragged from the front. Bristol De Mai was Grade1 winner over timber last season and though he disappointed behind Garde La Victoire, he too has always looked likely to make a chaser. The weight he gets today makes him a very strong challenger but he has on occasion looked a little soft and he may come on for the run, either way he is massively respected. Regal Encore has been called many a name during his time but made a satisfactory start to chasing when 5th at Chepstow the last day. He looks sure to improve for that experience but this trip has to be a concern and there will be many easier chances in the future for him. The rest rather need some sort of divine intervention but City Slicker is worth keeping an eye on as he’s been off the track plenty long enough and is another to bear in mind for later on. Garde La Victoire (WIN)
15:45 Newmarket The twice raced Afjaan is likely to head most lists here having shown a good attitude when getting on top late on at Beverly the last day. In the capable hands of William Haggas it would be slightly disappointing if he didn’t improve for that run though the handicapper has hardly given him a lenient mark for this handicap debut. Todays softer ground could also pose a problem to the favourite but when all said and done, he is the one to beat and looks to have plenty of improvement to come. Dream Walker won over course and distance last November off a 8lbs higher mark and is starting to look dangerously well handicapped now. His trainer couldn’t be in better form and though the horse has rather off putting form figures, his latest 5th was highly encouraging when considering he endured a nightmare passage. The forecast cut in the ground would be a big positive for him and though he will have to be on his game to see off the favourite, everything points to a massive run and as such he is selected to go in. Rocket Ronnie is in fine form and couldn’t confidently be overlooked, a comment that also applies to Bastille Day and Miss Van Gough. Dream Walker (WIN)
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