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Mark has three selections at Uttoxeter on ITV on Saturday
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Best bet looks the Mullins runner in the big race
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14:25 Uttoxeter - Back A Pai De Nom @ 10/34.33
With Cheltenham in the rear-view mirror, Uttoxeter takes centre stage on ITV on Saturday and A Pai De Nom looks a fascinating contender for this handicap hurdle, arriving on the back of a performance that suggests he is still firmly on the upgrade.
Dan Skelton's six-year-old produced a decisive display at Newbury last month when landing a similar event to this, travelling strongly before asserting late to beat Alentejo by five lengths.
That success continued an upward trajectory that has characterised his hurdling career to date. Since switching to this discipline he has compiled an impressive record, winning four of his six starts, while also finishing placed on the other two occasions, notably in the Lanzarote on his penultimate start.
His progressive profile suggests the assessor may not yet have caught up with him and further improvement seems entirely plausible from a mark of 129.
Back A Pai De Nom in 14:25 Uttoxeter
15:00 Uttoxeter - Back J'Arrive De L'Est @ 11/43.75
The big race of the day is the Midlands Grand National and, while the ex-French J'Arrive De L'Est is hardly a massive price in the context of this type of race, it's going to take a good one to beat him from his current mark of 126.
Now with Emmet Mullins (previously trained by Daniela Mele), he showed useful ability over fences in his homeland, notably scoring twice in cross-country events. Since switching to Mullins, the gelding has quickly suggested he can build on that foundation.
He has run with credit on both starts for his new connections, finishing runner-up on the cross-country course at Cheltenham on successive occasions in December and January, and that despite not being seen to maximum effect on either occasion.
J'Arrive De L'Est was unable to secure a place in either the Cross Country Chase or the Kim Muir at the Festival, but this assignment looks a smart piece of placing by Mullins. Still relatively unexposed in staying handicaps and proven over extreme trips, he arrives here with conditions likely to play to his strengths.
Back J'Arrive De L'Est to 15:00 Uttoxeter
15:35 Uttoxeter - Back Milcree 10/34.33
Milcree looks a particularly interesting contender in this novices' handicap chase, having shown marked improvement since switching to fences following a lengthy absence.
The eight-year-old was off the track for almost 21 months after his novice hurdle campaign, but he made an immediate impact when returning to action making his debut over the larger obstacles at Ayr in January, travelling strongly and showing a willing attitude to see the race out well.
He built on that promise when following up at Kelso last time, digging deep to score on heavy ground. That performance confirmed the Ayr success was no fluke and highlighted his battling qualities, finding plenty when challenged late on to record a second successive victory.
A step back up in trip now looks likely to suit given the way he has been finishing off his races, and there remains the feeling that he hasn't shown all he's got to offer as a chaser, particularly as his stamina gets drawn out further.
As The Fella Says, an impressive winner at Newbury last time, rates a notable danger, while Kykorock is another capable of playing a prominent role if building on his recent efforts.
Back Milcree in 15:35 Uttoxeter