PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

16:20 Nottingham This is Division I of the five-furlong handicap for rated up to 85 where Ann Duffield’s Hilary J looks the one to beat. This improving three year old has won two of three starts in handicap company and is definitely progressing nicely. Having made nearly all to win at Beverley she has to step up into a class four race for the first time and comes up against some hardened handicappers in the process. She has won over further, so if able to get to the front she could prove hard to peg back. Orient Class has been in fine form this summer and didn’t run too badly in a handicap at the Ayr Gold Cup meeting. He won over course and distance back in August with Adam McNamara on board and the useful claimer gets the leg up once more. There is plenty of early speed, so he will be close to it and could get a nice tow into the race. He may need to pull out a bit more but has place claims. A chance is taken on last year’s winner Waseem Faris. He was in the hands of Ken Cunningham-Brown but is now with Joseph Tuite and the seven year old has gone off the boil of late. However his last three efforts have been in very competitive races in higher grades, so the drop in class and handicap could prove to find the best in him. He won this off this mark last year and with a strong early pace expected it could suit his style of racing. Waseem Faris (E/W)

17:05 Wetherby It’s getting to the time of year when we have the flat and jumps crossover. This two-mile Handicap Chase has one that can bounce back from a poor run last time. That is Owen Na View for Fergal O’Brien. He was below par at Newton Abbot 16-days ago when a distant five of five and I believe that being down to him not being suited by the nature of the track. That poor effort came on the back of a win at Worcester where he raced lazily but managed to carry top weight to victory.  O’Brien has reached for first-time blinkers to help switch this eight year old on because he looks to have plenty of ability. If he can get into a nice rhythm out in front he would look the one to be with. Monbeg River was last seen in a race at Perth where he fell and Owen Na View won it. Martin Todhunter still has to give him weight but it isn’t as much as it was that day. He took very nicely to fences last season and has performed admirable to a consistent level. It is understandable to see why he is prominent given that consistency and it is worth noting he has won fresh before – that came on his chasing debut after a five-month summer break. Trust Thomas progressed nicely last year and a win on his penultimate start around Hexham in a class 4 chase and that is possibly his level. His final start was over further than this at Cartmel when a distant third but back in trip should suit. If tuned up for his return would be discounted. Alexandra Dunn gave Helium a spin around Brighton on the level eight days ago to get him up to race speed ahead of his return over obstacles. The 11 year old has to be in the equation given some of his efforts at the back end of last year. Owen Na View (E/W if 9/2+) 19:55 Kempton This maiden does look like one that could have a couple to keep an eye on as they progress further. Brodie was a beaten short price favourite on debut but that came at Goodwood where you can arguably forgive a debut run due to its configuration. On top of that Luca Cumani tends to leave a bit on his first timers, so should come on for that run plus will be more streetwise this time around. The extra two furlongs don’t look to be a problem given her family. Roger Varian’s St Malo looked awkward running around Chelmsford just six days ago on debut. He did most things ran, slowly away and ran green for a long way. Once again you’d expect him to be more switched on for his second outing and given he’s a half-brother to a French Listed winner over this distance and one who handled the synthetic surfaces there are positives give his profile. Cry Wolf has his fourth career start and his second start under James Evans’ stewardship. He ran in two maidens when with Godolphin both at Wolverhampton over the extended mile where he seemed to empty close home. For his new trainer he went quite well over course and distance but seemed to hit a mid race flat spot yet still came home nicely. St Malo (E/W)