PADDOCKS PATENT (MONDAY)

15:10 Southwell

Braavos got off the mark at the third attempt when well backed to do so in a bumper at Market Rasen a couple of weeks ago. The cobwebs should have well and truly cleared up away with that effort and with scope for any amount of further improvement, he has to be considered in this relatively weak affair. He is certainly housed at the right yard in order to make his mark over timber and with Richard Johnson once again in the saddle, the duo look set to make a bold bid.

Abbreviate looks the biggest threat on paper. He was only just denied on his seasonal debut at Warwick last time and he is bound to come on for that experience. Kim Bailey has his team in good shape and with David Bass retaining the ride, the combination could prove the proverbial thorn in side of the selection. Wings Attract was successful on what was his first run of the year at Fakenham last month. That marked a significant step forward for him but he may not find it so easy giving weight away to younger and more progressive types.

Braavos is likely to have been well schooled at home since that impressive victory last day and is another that is likely to strip an awful lot fitter this time around. Being a son of Presenting he should thrive now that he has obstacles in front of him and takes a significant step up in trip.

Braavos (WIN)

15:25 Carlisle

Fourth Act has always been regarded as a chaser in the making, so the fact that he has managed to win over hurdles is a bonus. The yard are in much better shape now than they were last season and he comes here in decent form having run well at Wincanton on his two most recent starts. Noel Fehily is back on board today and having been the only jockey to steer this six year old to victory in the past, they have to rate highly on any shortlist.

Retrieve The Stick made his chasing debut at Ayr a fortnight ago when chasing home Jack Steel. These testing conditions are likely to play to his strengths and he has to be considered as the biggest danger. He too is race fit and is open to any amount of improvement. Brian Hughes gets on well with the son of Revoque and they have to be feared. Little Glenshee was only just touched off in this very same race last season. It is likely that her trainer has specifically aimed her here once again and if fully wound up she too has each way claims too.

It isn’t too often that Colin Tizzard sends his runners on a round trip of almost seven hundred miles if they don’t have a chance. He must think that this is a decent opportunity for his lightly raced inmate and Fourth Act commands utmost respect.

Fourth Act (WIN)

17:10 Kempton

Revision absolutely loves it around Kempton and he delivered a career best effort when getting the better of Super Kid over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Kieren Fox knows the three year old inside out and has been on board for all five career wins to date. He is certainly a consistent sort and the same cannot be said about the vast majority of his rivals here. As a three year old he receives weight from all bar one and if continuing on his upward curve, he has the ability to go very close once again.

The Steward arrives on the back of two goods efforts both here and at Wolverhampton. Being a son of Street Cry he will be very much suited by this trip and has cheekpieces applied for the first time today. From a yard that knows the time of day with it’s handicappers he certainly rates as a likely danger. Magical Thomas was given far too much to do when a well backed favourite over this course and distance last time when partnered by Richard Kingscote. If Ben Curtis can keep him closer to the action this afternoon they too could make the frame.

Revision certainly knows where the winning post is and is certainly at the top of his game right now. The yard have a useful strike rate at this track and it would be of little surprise if they we to enhance that this afternoon.

Revision (E/W if  9/2+)