Today's Horse Racing Tips: Blinkers and Branwell to combine for win

Make a date with Late at Sedgefield

13:16 Sedgefield - Back Late Date @ 10.09/1

The seconds aren't quite going our way. Towards The Dawn's defeat by a nose was the third reverse in a photo in the last eight days to go with Yala Enki and Younevercall. Hopefully better is to come on Tuesday.

Micky Hammond's Late Date has questions to answer following a tame effort when last seen, but he has plenty of credit in the bank at Sedgefield as a three-time winner and looks overpriced considering his record at the venue.

The 7-yo usually displays a good attitude at this sort of level, but he's well treated and adaptable in terms of ground, but crucially, he can make the running. I like backing pacesetters at Sedgefield.

With form in 0-120 grade, this in theory should be easier and I like him at 10.09/1.

Slanelough can finally break his duck

14:16 Sedgefield - Back Slanelough @ 4.507/2

Slanelough is still a maiden over fences in 12 attempts, but he has been competing in some better races and at 4.57/2, he looks worth backing to finally get his win.

He's down to 122 over the larger obstacles, which is his lowest mark.

His claims would be strong judged on a good effort in a deeper race at Carlisle behind Flegmatik earlier in the season, while his run at Hexham last time was solid from the front. He was just beaten by a well-handicapped horse.

As another front-runner he should go well, and he has form on good and softer.

Appleby with headgear plus sire stats makes for a bet

14:55 Lingfield - Back Branwell @ 4.3100/30

If Branwell is not careful, he could end up in the shadows of some his relatives with the way his career is going - much like his namesake Branwell Bronte.

And rated 70, he must be one of the lowest-rated horses in Charlie Appleby's Godolphin yard.

I've painted a gloomy picture, again, much like Branwell, but his sire Dubawi has some good numbers on the Polytrack with an 18% win record (19% at Lingfield). Appleby has recently fired in two Dubawi newcomers at Wolverhampton and the sire's figures are even better on Tapeta.

I'll excuse the horse his effort last time in heavy ground at Newmarket, so the run to take is the third at Chelmsford. He was turned over as an odds-on favourite, mainly down to him being green and not quick enough. But he showed his aptitude for an artificial surface.

The 1m2f is a plus and I expect him to finish strongly. Appleby is always a trainer worth noting when he goes for the headgear - and the blinkers will be out for the first time on Tuesday.