PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

13:10 Ludlow

Wednesday’s action starts with a Novices Handicap Chase over two-and-a-half-miles.

Gallic Warrior was a close fourth on his reappearance over course and distance 30-days. He faded in the finish but that race was all about fitness after a lengthy spell of the track. He’s a son of Nononito so chasing should be ready made for him plus this soft conditions should suit too. He carries top weight but this is a weak race so should be able to get his head in front.

The 11-year-old Akinspirit has had one run over fences finishing sixth in a race won by the very much in form Helium. He’s been dropped 2lb for that effort and looks to have place claims for Charlie Deutsch, who is able to claim 5lb.

Up Your Game is out of the handicap in this contest but remains on the shortlist. This seven-year-old has gone to post just seven times, so remains lightly raced. He’s a son of Milan, who has sired some handy chasers, so could have the potential to take to this game. The 255-day absence would be a concern therefore might be one for his next effort.

Gallic Warrior (WIN)

13:30 Lingfield

A competitive 14-runner handicap over a mile-and-a-half is our next port of call on the polytrack at Lingfield.

Charlies Mate has been on the go since March with plenty of success. He started on a mark of 45 and five wins later he is now rated 74. He does have a win to his name over this distance but that came at Kempton off a mark of 50; most of his success has come over the mile. There could be more to come from the John Best four-year-old but the handicapper may be starting to catch up with him.

Paul Cole saddles three-year-old Azilian whose only win came over course and distance in August. His start prior to that was a two-length third also over course and distance, so he clearly enjoys it around Lingfield. Tactically it’s clear that he likes to lead and he has the draw in stall one to be able to dictate a steady pace that he can kick off on the home turn. The blinkers are on for the first time too, which should help him knuckle down from the front. You can forgive him his last effort over two-miles as he didn’t see out the trip and this is more suitable.

Sixties Love has been consistent has been consistent since switching to the all-weather. She has hit the frame on all three of her last starts and that started with a win at Kempton but she will require a career best to take victory here. She’s had plenty of runs here but hasn’t quite taken to it, so I’m surprised Simon Dow hasn’t found a race for her back at Kempton. Topamichi has a wide draw in stall 14 but is slowly becoming well handicapped. His last win came in March off 74 and today he’ll run off 75 but he’ll have to show he can handle the extra trip. He can be quite inconsistent so it’ll be interesting to see how he shapes with the two extra furlongs to race.

Azilian (E/W)

17:10 Kempton

It wouldn’t be a Wednesday if we didn’t take in the Kempton card. The final selection comes in Division One of a Fillies’ Maiden over six-furlongs.

Three of these have handicap marks and Porta Rosa sets the standard on them. She has had four starts, three of them have been here at Kempton, but is yet to convince. Last time you could argue that she went to hard up front causing her to weaken but she still has something to prove. However in a race of this nature she could get an easy lead under Adam Kirby.

The other two exposed runners are the consistent Broughtons Fancy and Guapo Bay. The former looks the better of that pair but last time the change of tactics didn’t work. She has the experience, which could be handy around this track but may need to find more.

Jeremy Noseda’s Rouge Noir gets the vote. She has only had one start finishing fourth behind Manson, who had race experience and made all. She showed signs of inexperience in that race and did drift right, which would be slightly concerning but that run will have taught her a great deal and will likely sharpen her up for this assignment. She has an attractive pedigree, so there are ticks in boxes, and she can hit the frame here.

Of the rest then Go On Go On Go On making her debut for Clive Cox is one to keep an eye on. She runs in the colours of Paul and Clare Rooney. Given time she could be a useful horse based on her pedigree being a daughter of Medicean out of an Exceed And Excel mare. She may be better given time plus Clive Cox has only had one winner first time out this campaign.

Rouge Noir (E/W)