13:50 Nottingham - Gm Hopkins
Gm Hopkins looked a Group-class horse in the making when winning the Silver Cambridgeshire and a defeat at York last time has not altered that opinion, the race possibly coming too soon after his Newmarket exploits. Gm Hopkins was never really going with the fluency that had been such a feature of his rise through the ranks when managing just fourth at York, but, given a short break, he can regain the upward trend and enhance his already-impressive strike-rate.
14:10 Chepstow - Sir Valentino
Sir Valentino probably isn't the safest proposition when you consider that he has fallen on two of his three starts over fences, but there is little doubt that he is well handicapped, and he makes his seasonal return with his stable firing on all cylinders. Sir Valentino looked as if he was going to win when coming down at Newbury last February, so the fact he can race off the same mark here is an obvious positive, while he showed that tumble had left no lasting impact when easing to success over hurdles a couple of months later. It is well worth taking a chance on his jumping holding together and he rates a good bet.
14:40 Chepstow - Back Veauce de Sivola
As a brother to high-class staying hurdler Reve de Sivola, Veauce de Sivola is bred to stay well, and he showed that stamina was his strong suit when winning on his first attempt at three miles at Taunton last season. Stamina will be very much at a premium this afternoon and, despite being higher in the weights, Veauce de Sivola should be able to further up his game and win again.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Gm Hopkins @ 2.56/4 in the 13:50 at Nottingham
Back Sir Valentino @ 4.84/1 in the 14:10 at Chepstow
Back Veauce de Sivola @ 3.211/5 in the 14:40 at Chepstow
