PADDOCKS PATENT (MONDAY)

15:30 Newton Abbot Six runners are due to go to post in this competitive looking handicap chase. Michael and Tom Scudamore team up here looking to get stable star Next Sensation back on track. A winner of the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham last year, the nine year old gelding has since embarked on a ten race winless streak – something which has seen his handicap mark plummet from 151 to today’s 129. I feel this hefty 22lb drop has left Next Sensation primed to strike. His latest outing at Cartmel hinted at a return to form, forcing the pace in typical fashion, only an untimely tumble three fences out prevented him troubling the judges again. We have to take it on trust that this fall has not left a mental scar but jumping is usually a forte of this front runner. Current odds of 9/4 look fair and hopefully Next Sensation can jump out from the front and dominate this small field. Next Sensation (WIN)

15:40 Bath Another small field of six here for this 1m 2f maiden stakes. The distance represents a significant step up for all bar Spring Jig and we may see some considerable improvement for it from these two year olds. For me the most likely beneficiary is Jive Talking. The filly is a half Sister to 107 rated Qatari Hunter (a winner over 10f and running up to 12f). She has shown signs of ability in her first two outings over 7f, shaping as though further will suit. The latter of those runs in particular looks as though it was an above average maiden, with no less than three subsequent winners emerging from it. Current odds have Spring Jig as a 11/10 favourite, however I feel Jive Talking is a potential improver here and odds of 9/4 represent a good alternative. Jive Talking (WIN)

15:50 Hamilton Another field short on numbers but high on quality. This 6f sprint includes admirable speedsters Danzeno and Jack Dexter. It’s fair to say that neither are at the heights of their powers anymore but both still retain enough ability to compete in the upper echelons of the sprinting sphere. Danzeno in particular looks dangerously well treated in this conditions stakes, rated 4lbs clear of Ascription but carrying the same weight. Odds of Evens reflect this and we should expect him to go close. However, given the likely heavy going I prefer Jack Dexter for betting purposes and odds of 4/1 represent a bit of value. This seven year old mud lark has not had his ground since last winning in November of last year. I feel this is key to him whilst asking serious questions of some of his opponents. His last few runs have been respectable in hotly contested handicaps and Scot Jim Goldie will be keen to take advantage of underfoot conditions and notch up a local victory. Jack Dexter (WIN)