PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

13:10 Chepstow On paper this looks like a warm Maiden Hurdle where there could be a few to keep an eye on. For the most part Willoughby Court is the main one of interest. He won two bumpers last November and December before going into the Grade 2 Bumper at Aintree running a creditable fifth. Ben Pauling has stated in the past this is a horse with a big engine and if he’s developed into his frame then he could be a useful type over hurdles after the trainer suggested he’s a useful jumper. Alan King’s Criq Rock was taken out of a race last week and the better ground here will suit him at Chepstow. He travels well, as shown when winning two bumpers but failed to run his race at Cheltenham in the Champion Bumper in March. The trainers string have started quite well and is high on the list on his hurdling debut. Air Horse One has had four attempts over hurdles and is yet to get off the mark but those efforts have been on deep ground. When you look at his bumper form, which looks alright it all came on good ground, so he might be able to show his true ability if fit after a break. The interesting contender is Harry Whittington’s Charlemar. This four year old ran in two bumpers in France before his switch, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes. Willoughby Court (WIN)

14:15 Chepstow The market for this Novices Handicap Chase looks to revolve around the Tom George runner Valseur Du Granval. The seven year old has more experience than most over fences having won two of his seven starts over the larger obstacles. He was a comfortable winner at Kempton however I doubt that will be the strongest of races. AP Heskin is now the retained rider for Tom George and we saw them team up yesterday in the Haldon Gold Cup with Sir Valentino, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them in the winners enclosure. With his race fitness and chasing experience it is understandable why he is the price he is. Harry Whittington is making a name for himself with chasers. He had the ill-fated Arzal last year as his stable star and Emerging Force could follow those footsteps. He saddles Octagon in this one for his chase debut. We saw this son of Overbury reappear 27 days ago at Hereford where he wasn’t exactly perfect over the hurdles. He’ll need to tidy up his jumping and I question whether he’ll find the trip on the sharp side, as he does look to want a trip. Another runner making his chase debut is the way I’m playing this race. Sartorial Elegance receives plenty of weight from the mentioned pair and sometimes that can count. He’s off the same mark from a solid third at Fontwell over hurdles and like Octagon he wasn’t foot perfect that day. However he’s had plenty of time to polish the jumping for today’s reappearance plus he’s from a good family of chasers. The slight concern would be the trip as he will probably want a bit further in time, but he is worth chancing in a race where there doesn’t seem to be too much depth. Sartorial Elegance (E/W)

19:25 Kempton An open ten runner handicap over 12-furlongs under the floodlights at Kempton where Sir Mark Prescott has the early market favourite. Cliff Face has gone well since handicapping and hasn’t been outside the top four in her races over this trip. The filly could have more to offer but has shot up the weights in those starts and is now in a Class 3 contest for the first time against hardened handicappers. Sir Mark Prescott has had a quieter time of things of late, which would also be the worry. For me Noble Gift looks worthy of an each-way bet given the drop in class he takes to participate in this race. The six year old has been running in group and listed races of late and he finished just a length behind Mount Logan at Goodwood in May. His mark has slipped to 95 following some disappointing runs but he has previously won off higher marks and has recorded two wins at the track. Plymouth Sound is another at a price to consider. He ran a good race here three stars back when out running his odds but he doesn’t look the most straightforward to ride. There is ability there but he hasn’t won since winning on debut in July 2014. The Godolphin representative Power Game may be suited by the return to the all-weather but the extra trip is a slight doubt with his pedigree but a strongly run race would help his cause. Noble Gift (E/W)

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