Aachen could hardly have been more impressive when making a winning start to his chasing career in summer 2012, and is an obvious player in his bid to keep the Venetia Williams' bandwagon rolling on his belated return, but Real Milan gets the nod in Wetherby's 13:55 following a most encouraging reappearance at Doncaster in December. The nine-year-old jumped superbly when winning his first two starts over fences last season and, though things didn't really go to plan thereafter, he remains one to view positively and is yet to match his hurdles form in this sphere, so it's not difficult to see him having a bit more to offer now equipped with cheekpieces for the first time.
Our second selection goes on the fibresand at Southwell, with Dewala fancied to land the 14:40. The five-year-old was a big improver on this surface last winter, landing the hat-trick in March, and the fact that she was unable to maintain that rate of improvement throughout the turf season shouldn't be held against her. A return to this surface ought to see her in a much better light and, though the chances of Blue Wave have to be respected, Dewala can take the spoils.
The handicap chase at 15:05 at Wetherby is an interesting contest, with the Philip Hobbs-trained Mighty Mobb certain to progress as a chaser, but preference is for The Magic Bishop, who has finished in the places on all three outings since returning from a summer break and is of definite interest from this mark. In addition he hails from the yard of Malcolm Jefferson, which is in fine form at present, and The Magic Bishop could well provide their seventh winner of the month.
Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Real Milan @ 4.67/2 in the 13:55 at Wetherby
Back Dewala @ 7.06/1 in the 14:40 at Southwell
Back The Magic Bishop @ 5.95/1 in the 15:05 at Wetherby
