Chepstow offers a taste of what is in store for the 2013/14 National Hunt season this afternoon with familiar names, both human and equine, re-surfacing after their summer breaks. The opening maiden hurdle (14:00) contains some horses with decent form already over hurdles, and Gassin Golf looks the most likely to shed his maiden tag in this particular contest. Having won twice for Sir Mark Prescott on the flat he is best judged on his second at Punchestown towards the end of last season, finishing ahead of a well-bred French runner of Willie Mullins and shaping in the manner of a potentially useful performer. He was very lightly handled in his last outing on the Flat at Haydock in September, and today should see him bounce back and confirm the promise he showed in the spring.
We head north for flat action at Ayr for today's second SmartPlay, where Gran Canaria Queen looks to have an excellent chance in the sprint handicap at 15:15. Had she raced in the larger, near side group here last time she may have fared considerably better, but considering the race was not run to suit she shaped much better than the bare result suggested and came home well clear of the smaller group on the far side rail. She proved her versatility in terms of going too, and is more than capable of re-discovering the form she showed in August, where she was three from three. This looks a less competitive contest and her return to winning ways can benefit our search for profit.
Back to South Wales for today's final bet and The Nephew looks likely to complete a quick fire hat-trick in the handicap chase over an extended two miles (16:15) for the thriving Emma Lavelle stable. He has enjoyed an excellent time of late, winning twice within five days, and put up a bold display under a penalty at Worcester last time, winning with plenty in hand and suggesting there is further improvement to come. Despite being under a double-penalty on the back of that result he should make a bold bid to make it three on the bounce, although stablemate Red Rock looks one of a number of well-treated handicappers in opposition and merits respect after his promising show at Plumpton last time.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Gassin Golf @ 2.89/5 in the 14:00 at Chepstow
Back Gran Canaria Queen @ 5.24/1 in the 15:15 at Ayr
Back The Nephew @ 2.77/4 in the 16:15 at Chepstow
