The 13:30 is sponsored by the Timeform Jury and there appears to be something of a handicap rick in the field. Brandon Thomas lines up from a BHA mark 13 lb lower than on his last start and 22 lb lower than on his final start for Ferdy Murphy a year ago. He has yet to show much for this yard, admittedly, but that's a severe drop however you look at it and there are mitigating circumstances. Brandon Thomas has shown his best form up to now around two miles yet was running over about a mile further on his first two starts for this stable, suggesting he retains much of his ability before his stamina gave out both times. Now back to the trip that has seen him to best effect, he looks well worth chancing at odds above 6.05/1.
It's no secret that Venetia Williams remains in fine form, while she had four winners at this track the last time racing was here. Her Saroque is a deserved favourite in the 15:00, to the point that even odds around 3.02/1 look more than fair. He's quickly made into a better chaser than hurdler, that in spite of novice-like jumping. A good second at Ffos Las was followed by an all-the-way victory at Newbury in which he found plenty for pressure. He's up 8 lb, but this race is no stronger and there are no other confirmed front runners in the race so things look in place for Saroque to give another good account.
The 15:30 is another Timeform-sponsored race, this one a handicap hurdle over an extended 25 furlongs. Staying trips have been the making of Night of Passion and he's expected to continue his progress here. A C&D winner on his penultimate start (and first outing over three miles-plus), Jeremy Scott's charge showed another chunk of improvement when scorching to an 11-length success at Bangor just before Christmas. He's gone up another stone for that and enters a higher grade now, though this isn't a particularly strong race of its type and Night of Passion thoroughly deserves to be favourite.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Plumpton
Back Brandon Thomas @ 6.611/2 in the 13:30
Back Saroque @ 3.052/1 in the 15:00
Back Night of Passion @ 3.412/5 in the 15:30
