13:40 - Burning Blaze and Compton are by some way the two most interesting in the opening leg, with the first mentioned having regularly caught the eye in defeat since winning a York maiden in 2012 whilst the latter is well treated on his best form and has done well since joining this yard. Given that this is such a competitive heat it's also worth taking Commanche, who had a productive 2013, looks to be on a fair mark and has the talented Connor Beasley booked to take off 5 lb.
14:15 - Justonefortheroad finished fourth in the Lincoln off a mark of 94 12 months ago and, though he rather lost his way thereafter, has now slipped to a mark of 80 and seems certain to go close if trainer Richard Fahey has him right for his first outing of the year. The second selection is Johnno, who has joined Dandy Nicholls and doesn't look too badly treated on the pick of his form. Stamina won't be an issue and he could hit the places.
14:45 - Several of the newcomers make plenty of appeal, particularly Provident Spirit and Hesketh Bank, but it's hard to ignore the claims of Marmoom, who made a most promising start in a decent maiden at Newbury in August and ought to leave that form well behind.
15:20 - Richard Fahey looks to hold a strong hand here, with both Flyman and Sir Reginald fancied to go close. Flyman hasn't always looked the most straightforward but ran a cracker here on his final start last year and is just the type to make up into a superior four-year-old, whilst Sir Reginald has gone well fresh in the past and certainly isn't handicapped out of things on old form.
15:55 - This field has been reduced to four in the absence of Conduct, resulting in the winner needing to be found, but it looks a fairly decent opportunity for Gatewood to return to winning ways. He's effective on the ground, has no problems over trip and, racing off level weights, certainly has the best chance.
16:30 - Quite a tricky handicap with several open to progression, notably both Field Of Fame and Killing Time. The first mentioned made the perfect start at Salisbury in October and hails from a bang in-form yard, whilst Killing Time has won his last two and appeals as the type that could eke out a bit more improvement when necessary.
Selections:
13:40 - 2, 3, 11
14:15 - 8, 12
14:45 - 3
15:20 - 3, 7
15:55 - 4
16:30 - 2, 4
= 24 lines
