It's an ultra-competitive handicap hurdle from Kempton up first (14:55), and it seems prudent to keep Legacy Gold on side for the in-form Pond House team. She would have had a leading chance in the Martin Pipe yesterday but narrowly failed to get in, instead lining up today in a less competitive contest (although not by a huge margin) and she holds outstanding claims. She was a smart bumper performer for Stuart Crawford last season, winning three times, and has yet to be asked a question in three starts over hurdles which she's landed at short odds. Although she's near the top of the ratings band for today's race she could prove to be light-years ahead of her initial mark of 133, and with likely jockey Tom Scudamore arriving full of confidence it would be no surprise to see them cap off a memorable week with another winner for owner Roger Brookhouse. There are several dangers in the form of unexposed French import Marcilhac and Morebattle Hurdle third Special Catch.
We remain at the Sunbury track for a second bet of the day in the Silver Bowl handicap chase over an extended two-and-a-half miles (15:30) and The Romford Pele looks to have an excellent chance to build on four creditable efforts so far this term. He's made the frame behind the likes of Taquin de Seuil, Wonderful Charm and Balder Succes, showing a higher level of form over fences than he did over hurdles. There have been niggling doubts about his jumping but it's improving all the time and you can expect a more polished display than he's shown thus far on what will be his fifth start over fences. Most importantly though, he competes in his first handicap off a mark of 129 which looks extremely lenient and could turn out to be a poor reflection of his true ability. Add to that the fact that talented claimer Patrick Corbett claims 5 lb and is excellent value for it, and Rebecca Curtis' fast improving novice chaser looks to hold strong claims for making his eagerly-awaited handicap debut a winning one.
We head west to Uttoxeter for the final race under consideration, the Midlands Grand National (15:50) and given he's won the race for the last four years and is fresh off the back of a brilliant week at Cheltenham, David Pipe's runner Goulanes is worthy of consideration now a tongue tie's been fitted for the first time. However narrow preference goes to Sun Cloud in the care of Malcolm Jefferson, who was travelling with every chance in the Eider chase last time out when falling at the fifteenth fence. He'd been running with real credit prior to that occasion too, shaping well when third at Sedgefield before winning two on the bounce at Hexham and Catterick. The marathon trip will not be a problem, and even though he was raised 12 lb for his most recent success last month there's a very good chance he remains well-handicapped on his current mark of 135. The other who deserves a mention is Harry Topper, who looks the class act in the race, but he gives away a lot of weight on ground which is quicker than ideal, and Malcom Jefferson's charge is expected to deliver a bold bid.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Legacy Gold in the 14:55 at Kempton
Back The Romford Pele in the 15:30 at Kempton
Back Sun Cloud in the 15:50 at Uttoxeter
