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Progressive Throatlash still has more to offer over fences
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Uncle Nader did well to make up ground from rear last time
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Teardrops remains on good mark following creditable efforts
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Haydock, 13:28 - 'Horse In Focus' Throatlash can extend winning sequence
Throatlash was pulled up on his first start over fences at Bangor last season but, having undergone wind surgery, proved a different proposition on his reappearance and handicap debut at Wetherby in November.
Fluent jumping was a notable feature of Throatlash's performance at Wetherby but wasn't of such importance at Aintree next time as half the fences were omitted due to the low sun.
It was difficult to assess the Aintree form given the unconventional circumstances, but Throatlash proved himself a useful and progressive chaser when completing the hat-trick here last month, again impressing with how soundly he jumped en route to an all-the-way success.
That performance earned Throatlash the 'Horse In Focus' Flag from Timeform's reporter, marking him out as one likely to be of firm interest next time, and the form has been given a boost by the runner-up and fourth both winning next time. Throatlash still looks well treated following a 5 lb rise in the weights and heads Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings by 3 lb.
Back Throatlash in the 13:28 at Haydock
Lingfield, 15:45 - Sectionals suggest Uncle Nader's victory can be upgraded
Uncle Nader proved much more competitive than he had in maidens when beaten only three-quarters of a length by a subsequent winner on his handicap debut at Chelmsford.
He then built on that promise over this course and distance last month, settling better than he had on his handicap debut and quickening up well from last to first to score by a length and a quarter.
That wasn't a strongly-run race so Uncle Nader deserves credit for coming from an unpromising position. That view is backed up by sectional times, with Uncle Nadar earning a 4 lb higher upgrade than anything else in the line-up, and he was awarded Timeform's Sectional Timing Flag to show his performance may have been underestimated.
Back Uncle Nader in the 15:45 at Lingfield
Newcastle, 16:55 - Top-rated Teardrops can add to course tally
Teardrops registered his third course-and-distance victory last month and has run well in defeat on both starts since.
He found only another thriving rival, Spartan Fighter, too strong when producing his best performance yet on Timeform's figures on his penultimate start, and he followed that up with a respectable effort when beaten only a short head and half a length in third last time.
A failure to settle prevented Teardrops from running up to his best last time, but he looks well treated on the form of his previous start as the winner has scored again since. He meets Spartan Fighter on much better terms this time around and comes out 2 lb clear of Raft Up at the head of Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings.
Back Teardrops in the 16:55 at Newcastle