"Stiff and galloping tracks seem to bring out the best in him as he also held some form as novice hurdler when winning at Newcastle."
Alan is ditching the all-weather today for a rare couple of bets over the jumps at Ffos Las and Wincanton...
Thor has the power
14:45 Wincanton - Back Thor De Cerisy @ BSP
Michael Scudamore's Thor De Cerisy has always looked like a horse who could be capable of achieving something.
He gagged up winning a race at Newcastle in his early days over hurdles, and I noted him as a powerful traveller with his second at Wetherby last March.
And following wind surgery he returned with a fine third last time at Leicester over 2m4f, a race he looked a bit unlucky not to win.
He loves testing conditions and he'll get heavy ground this afternoon. The price around 7.613/2 looks attractive.
Nestor holds claims on Mandarin run
15:10 Ffos Las - Back Nestor Park @ 4.57/2
Not often would I delve into a novices' chase, nor at Ffos Las, but Nestor Park looks a standout form pick in the 15:10. He can be backed at 4.57/2.
His run in the historic Mandarin gives him an outstanding chance if he can produce that sort of effort again. He bumped into the strong-travelling Amateur at the Berkshire venue and made a mistake at the last, but it was a huge return to form.
Stiff and galloping tracks seem to bring out the best in him as he also held some form as novice hurdler when winning at Newcastle.