We start in Northumberland, taking in their 25-furlong handicap chase at 15:10. At the time, Gibbstown's wide-margin success at Ayr stretched credulity somewhat, though he went a long way to confirming that he's an improving horse when a close-up third at Newcastle little over a week later. He's been eased 1 lb for that, a potentially generous concession given his recent run of form. This race wouldn't be as strong- Dingo Bay, who Gibbstown beat last time, appears to head the dangers- so Gibbstown looks to have a good chance of belatedly following up Ayr.
Plumpton's 15:20 is now short of Coup de Grace, who would have been very interesting following a clear second to Henryville earlier in the month. In truth, Laughton Park was already the value play against the likely warm order Coup de Grace and is only a stronger selection now. He won here at this time last year, having had his first run just a few weeks before. It's been a similar story this spring, his reappearance at Huntingdon promising plenty with a view to him stripping fitter for it. Now just 4 lb higher than for his success last March, Laughton Park has plenty going for him today.
Not many will be waiting for the 16:50 at Plumpton, but we will. With so few of real interest, the unexposed Sportsreport is well worth chancing at prices north of 6.05/1. He's offered only spots of form up to now but laid down something to build on when third here a few weeks back. That day Sportsreport travelled as well as any and wasn't knocked about by Andrew Thornton once his chance had gone. With the cheekpieces retained and his mark 4 lb lower, Sportsreport will get few better chances than in this basement-level contest.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Gibbstown @ 7.26/1 in the 15:10 Hexham
Back Laughton Park @ 8.415/2 in the 15:20 Plumpton
Back Sportsreport @ 7.06/1 in the 16:50 Plumpton
