Bets of the Day: Sykes to continue to improve

15:20 Chepstow - Sykes 2/1 Sportsbook

Phillip Hobbs had kept Sykes off the course for almost a year, after comfortably winning his maiden hurdle at Worcester this time last year. He then ran a good race, finishing second after trading 1.111/9 in running, in September at Newbury on his return to racing after that lengthy absence. Last time out off 118 he dead-heated with Optimistic Bias from the Jonjo O'Neill yard after travelling like the winner from a long way out, trading at the minimum 1.011/100 in running, before cruising into the front early in the straight and being just caught on the line.

Despite that dead heat at Aintree just 10 days ago in a conditional jockeys race he is able to run today without a penalty (118), and this time I think he can finish the job. The danger looks like it will come in the shape of The Eaglehaslanded from the in form Paul Nichols yard after winning three of his four races under rules. However, I do favour Sykes to get his head in front and claim his third win from five starts.

19:10 Kempton - Grendisar 3.02/1 Exchange

Marco Botti runs his all-weather star Grendisar at Kempton tonight. From his 26 starts on the All Weather, Grendisar has won seven and been placed in 13. The three-time course and distance winner will be looking to win this as he did last year, when he managed to beat his old foe Fire Fighting by a neck.

Fire Fighting is again in the lineup today and got the better of Grendisar on their last meeting at Chelmsford just 27 days ago, beating him by six lengths, this time though it is Grendisar who enjoys a swing in the weights.

Recommended bets

Back Sykes @ 2/1 Sportsbook - 15:20 Chepstow
Back Grendisar @ 3.02/1 Exchange - 19:10 Kempton

As well as the backing both as singles I will be having a half point double on the two selections on the Sportsbook: Sykes @ 2/1 and Grendisar @ 15/8