Gordon can get on the scoresheet again at Fontwell
14:54 Fontwell - Back Top Man @ 9.08/1
Whilst it may take a bit of getting used to with the race times resembling a bus timetable, Top Man should have no problems with conditions at Fontwell in the 14:54 Novices' Handicap Chase.
This will be his first run over fences, but it's interesting his trainer Chris Gordon has wasted little time in sending him over the larger obstacles.
Stamina will very much come into play for this, and as a PTP winner in his younger days, a stout test will suit. That was in evidence when landing a Fontwell novice hurdle by a wide margin last term.
He'll have a pace to run at with the tough filly Guardia Top likely to make the running, but Top Man will relish the ground if it turns heavy.
His trainer also had a winner on the card on the opening day at Fontwell on Friday with Lord Baddersley.
Stage can play a big part with new distance
15:29 Fontwell - Back Group Stage @ 12.011/1
The feature race of the afternoon is a strong-looking 2m3f Handicap Hurdle, and Alan King's Group Stage can have a big say.
He was a typical King juvenile last season who ran well with his second place in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle at Musselburgh. That looked too much of a speed test at the track, and he'll suit the step up in distance on Saturday given that he looked a stayer on the Flat.
The classiest horse potentially in the field could be Emma Lavelle's Hang In There, but he emptied a couple of times in top company last term, and it could be a slight worry with him if the ground turns heavy. He looks better on a sounder surface.
Group Stage acts in testing ground and scored as a novice at Ludlow last term quite easily in soft.
However, it's the new trip that should unlock some improvement in a cracking-looking handicap.
Recommended bets
Back Top Man @ 9.08/1 in the 14:54 at Fontwell
Back Group Stage @ 12.011/1 in the 15:29 at Fontwell
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Alan Dudman's P & L
2020 Overall: -17.21
This week
Staked: 5.0
Returned: 0.0
2019: +3.25
2018: +44.91
2017: +5.49
2016: +16.38
*All bets to a 0.5pt stake unless stated otherwise
2020 Festival Bets Of Day (Ascot & Cheltenham): +17.60 (1pt stake)
2020 Irish Racing Tips: +34.20 (1pt stake)