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Step up in trip can suit Wadham's novice
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Beat the Drum and side with course lover
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Back Bay to repeat Kempton success
Newbury, 14.05 - Back Aviation each-way @ 6/17.00
Aviation hasn't always appeared the most straightforward conveyance with the cheekpieces added for a reason, but he showed enough at Newbury before Christmas to suggest his current mark is one from which he can profit.
Although nudged up 3lb for that creditable runners-up berth behind Knight Of Allen, a rating of 117 leaves the grey tackling much the same level of opponent in this contest and the step up in trip should play to the strengths of a horse that hit the line strongly last time.
The selection's comeback at Lingfield looked a little subdued at the time, but Silver Thorn who was a place in front of him, has won twice since, while Followcato has also scored a couple of times.
Aviation was second on the RaceIQ data for both his jumping data and lengths gained on his latest start so clearly enjoyed the contours of today's venue and hopefully he can confirm the promise of that performance with another bold show here.
Back Aviation EW in 14.05 at Newbury
Fairyhouse, 14.15 - Back Drumgill each-way @ 8/19.00
The course and distance handicap won by Drumgill in November could hold the key to this event with five of the 12 participants renewing rivalries once more.
Drumgill ran out an impressive two-and-a-half length winner that day, picking off Touch Me Not after the last to score with a little in hand under promising conditional Michael Kenneally.
It is a little too simplistic to believe that form will be repeated under revised terms here, but with the Sportsbook offering four places and the selection priced at 8/1, I'm happy to take a chance Drumgill will again be on the scene.
Dropping in trip to around two miles has seen Drumgill post some of his career performances and connections immediatey nominated this handicap as a target following his November win so he makes plenty of appeal each-way with the enhanced place terms.
Back Drumgill EW in 14.15 at Fairyhouse
Kempton, 20.00 - Buccabay @ 9/43.25
A return to Kempton could work the oracle for Buccabay after another solid display at Southwell last time.
The six-year-old posted his best performance in some time when cosily lifting a course and distance handicap at the beginning of December, a victory which took his track stats to 3241.
Two of the gelding's career wins have come when he has been rested for 11 and 13 days, so a near fortnight's break since that Southwell excursion should ensure he is at his optimum tonight back at one of his preferred tracks.
Back Buccabay in 20.00 at Kempton