There are a selection of good-quality handicaps scattered across the cards at Lingfield and Wolverhampton, starting with the 14:55 at the former course. Such is the level of Rebellious Guest's old form, plus the impression of his C&D win a week ago, that he's worth following again from a 6-lb higher mark. Good enough in four starts as juvenile to go off 8/1 for the Middle Park on the final one, Rebellious Guest has spent much of the intervening time on the slide, eventually running off a BHA mark of 80 when recording his first win since last time. He looked really well suited to the course then, making a big move to lead inside the final furlong and drawing clear. The likelihood of a stronger pace only hardens the case for Rebellious Guest as he attempts to follow up.
There's a sprint handicap of a similar standard at Wolverhampton half an hour later. Wolverhampton's five-furlong course puts a real emphasis on speed, which is why Silken Express can claim to hold an even better chance than her form figures imply. She's impressed to finish second and first over the same trip at Southwell on her two starts in 2014, each time showing both early speed and a game response to pressure. Now she switches to polytrack, which is only a very faint concern (has run well here before) and takes on rivals of no higher standing. Silken Express is herself 6 lb higher in the weights but won last time in a manner which suggests it won't necessarily prove beyond her.
The hat-trick seeking Blue Wave has obvious claims in the 15:30 at Lingfield but that could serve to heighten the value about others. In the case of fellow four-year-old Grendisar, it's pushed him into the territory where he makes appeal as a bet. Grendisar was steadily progressive throughout 2013, winning three times and finishing second on his last two starts. His only real flops have come when he's run beyond this trip of 12 furlongs, including a fifth over two miles here on his most recent start. Back under suitable conditions now (a winner both at this course and over the trip), Grendisar can give the likely favourite a run for his money.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Rebellious Guest in the 14:55 Lingfield
Back Silken Express in the 15:25 Wolverhampton
Back Grendisar in the 15:30 Lingfield
