Our first bet of the day comes in the two-mile handicap hurdle (14:30) and Slaney Star has the chance to kick on from putting in his best effort yet last time. That came in a two-mile selling handicap at Fakenham in which he plugged on for second place, and crucially today handler Jim Best has reached for the visor. That might just be the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle for this horse who had been on an indifferent run of form for a long time prior to his most recent performance. If it does bring about the required improvement in attitude then he should make a bold bid for his maiden victory, although Inside Knowledge is feared despite this not being his optimum trip.
It's a 19-furlong handicap chase under consideration next (15:00) and despite jumping evidently being a thorn in Polarbook's side in his recent starts, he still looks on a fair mark. There's no disguising the fact that he struggled at Kelso last time, but the way in which he travels and is currently assessed by the handicapper means he's worth one more chance to put it all together. It's testament to his ability that he managed to plug on for second despite multiple jumping errors, but, considering he's had a break and been freshened up, today might be the day he makes a long overdue return into the winner's enclosure, providing he's in the right frame of mind. There are dangers in the form of High Ron and last year's winner Speedy Bruere.
Our final bet of the day comes in a novice hurdle over the minimum trip (16:10) and Son of Suzie, who showed his ability to handle these conditions when scoring at the third attempt in bumpers in December, is the selection. It took him a while to get the hang of things over the course of last year but he was well backed when finally getting his head in front at Uttoxeter in December. He battled well to collar the runner-up close home that day, and given he's a well-bred sort (by Midnight Legend out of a winning pointer) it would be no surprise to see him take to life over timber and record a winning debut. Mr Shantu is in a similar ilk and rates as a danger, as does the Venetia Williams-trained John Louis.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Towcester
Back Slaney Star in the 14:30
Back Polarbook in the 15:00
Back Son of Suzie in the 16:10