PADDOCKS PATENT (THURSDAY)

15:05 Hereford Emerging Force looked a fantastic prospect last season most notably when landing a staying hurdles race at Doncaster back in February. He looked set to defy a twelve pound hike in the weights when sauntering to the front in a valuable handicap at Haydock but an unfortunate blunder led to him parting company with Nico De Boinville. Harry Whittingdon then decided to send him for a Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival where he was obviously still feeling the after effects of his recent fall and he was ultimately pulled up. Today marks his chasing debut and with a summer fully behind him, this should prove an optimal starting point for the classy six year old son of Milan. His lofty hurdles rating makes him stand out in this field and he should prove a force to be reckoned with at this level. Rainy City has fitness on his side and also makes his chasing debut here this afternoon. He has built up a formidable partnership in that sphere with Sam Twiston Davies who is once again in the saddle for Champion trainer Paul Nicholls. If taking to the larger obstacles, he looks to be the biggest threat to the selection. Rebecca Curtis continues to endure mixed fortunes with her runners but Definite Outcome was placed in a Grade 2 novices hurdle behind Thomas Hobson back in January. If returning in that same sort of form he too will give the main protagonists something to think about. Emerging Force (WIN)

15:30 Exeter Pawn Star has proved a revelation for Emma Lavelle this season. He got off the mark over hurdles back in May before gaining further success on his chasing debut at Worcester a couple of months later. Stepped up to 3m 2f at Newton Abbot a few weeks ago did seem to blunt his speed and although his stamina was found dead out on that occasion, this step back to three miles should see him in a much better light. Daryl Jacob knows this six year old well having partnered him in their last three races and he ought to know exactlywhat he has beneath him this afternoon. This type of ground tends to suit him and further progress cannot be ruled out. On The Bridge is now an eleven year old and is pretty versatile regarding ground conditions. His last win came back in April where he saw off a relatively small field when winning at Warwick. It should be noted that the win came in a hunters chase and was a couple of grades below this. He is weighted to finish an awful lot closer to the selection today and with him running into form, a bold effort is expected despite top weight. Houston Dynamo is hard to catch right these days and the eleven year old seeks his first win since last November. A repeat of his recent run at Newton Abbot would see him in the shake up and respect is required. Pawn Star (WIN)

15:50 Ayr Kenny the Captain arrives here in tremendous form having won his last two races at Redcar and Carlisle. Rain softened ground ought not to affect his chances as he won on equally soft ground over this course and distance back in 2013. Being by Caption Rio he is bred for a soft surface and despite top weight he has to be high on any shortlist this afternoon. Rachel Richardson has been on board for those two most recent wins and she has also been the jockey on two other occasions when the five year old has been placed. The yard continue to fire on all cylinders and this in form individual commands the utmost of respect in a race where plenty are struggling to find their true form. Explain put in a decent run when last seen out at Chester. In what has been his first full season with Ruth Carr he has already recorded a win at Thirsk on good to firm ground. Being a previous course and distance winner will serve him well in a field of this quality and if in the same mood that he showed on his last run, he looks to be the chief danger this afternoon. Jim Goldie loves nothing better than to train a winner at this local track. He sends Tiger Jim into battle this afternoon but he might prefer much better ground. Naggers was sent over to Ireland last time and that may have have proven a bridge too far. A repeat of his run over this course and distance back in July would see him involved at the finish and Robert Winston will give him every assistance from the saddle. Kenny The Captain (E/W if 9/2+)