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13:10 Hereford This is the second division of a Novices Hurdle and it could see a quick double for Richard Johnson and Philip Hobbs. Bradford Bridge looks likely to take the opener and Book Direct, who finished ahead of his stablemate on his hurdling debut looks the one to beat. At Newton Abbot last month this imposing sort gave Capeland plenty to think about and he did look as if he’d come on for the run. That is the strongest form on offer and he is related to horses that go with cut in the ground. Full Irish returns from a break but that wouldn’t put me off after winning on his bumper debut at Sandown in similarly described conditions. His three runs in bumpers are quite useful but he has to translate that over hurdles for a quiet Emma Lavelle yard. Doesyourdogbite won a four-runner contest that fell apart and the bare form. He carries a penalty for that success, so giving weight away and in these conditions he’s one to pass over. One to watch is Opera Rock who looked inexperienced on his only bumper start and could be more of a long-term prospect. Book Direct (WIN)
14:35 Wolverhampton A Maiden Fillies Stakes at Dunstall Park where we have a bit of everything. From the lowly rated Milady Percy (31) to the unknown quantity of Roger Varian’s Shahabad. His filly is well related out of Sharmardal and from the family of Ouija Board, so she could prove to be quite smart. She should handle this surface based on breeding and the bookies haven’t taken many chances with her by putting her in as the overnight favourite. From the images seen she does look an attractive racy type who could go places. The step up to a mile should play advantageously to Princess Nia, who put in a strong finishing effort at Kempton four weeks ago to finish a length second when unfancied at 25/1. She’s had three runs and been given a mark of 70 but she can prove better than that here with Brian Meehan keeping her in maiden company and against her own sex than going straight into a handicap with her. A low draw and if able to run closely to her last run then she’ll be on the premises. Ttainted Love is a 14-race maiden and her closest efforts have been handicaps; one of them off this mark at Leicester however she may have had her chance to get her head in front. Trishuli Rock has been consistent. Three starts and three seconds. On the last day she didn’t look the most straightforward ride but Luke Morris takes over in the saddle and could get the best out of her. Princess Nia (E/W if 9/2+)
19:35 Kempton A decent looking 0-105 handicap where Amazour would be my preference over Spring Loaded at the top of the market. Ismail Mohammed’s charge bumped into Lord Of The Land over this track and trip when last seen, whilst the winner has gone on to win twice since, including a Listed race. He’s off the same mark as that contest, so can go close once more given some of his better form comes on synthetics. That said this is going to be slightly easier for Spring Loaded than some of the races he was involved in during the summer months. His last win came over course and distance and he’s just 3lb higher, so can’t be discounted. Related could get his head back in front to reward his consistent profile whilst Boomerang Bob has to back up his recent win at Chelmsford. The one of interest is Kasbah for Amanda Perrett. This four year old had one start for Robert Cowell when finishing down the field at Leicester. Now in the hands of Perrett she sends him to try this surface and given his Dundalk record when with Johnny Murtagh in Ireland read 2112 then he can’t be easily passed over. Kieran Shoemark takes 3lb off in the saddle, so he is worth chancing to run a big race on stable debut. Kasbah (E/W)