13:45, Newton Abbot - Light N Strike has a good record in the spring
Light N Strike really comes to hand at this time of year, with his last three wins over fences all having come in the month of May, and one of those was this same race at Newton Abbot 12 months ago.
He was still with Emma Lavelle when successful last year and he did well to pull three lengths clear at the end of a race run at just a steady gallop. Light N Strike then went on to finish a good third in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter before changing stables.
While Light N Strike was well held on his only completed start from three runs for Mickey Bowen in the autumn, he's had a break since then and, given his record at this time of year, there's a good chance he'll be a different proposition now, especially as he's back on the same mark as when successful last year. As one who comes from off the pace, this should be run to suit him too, with front-runners Centara and Etalon also in the field.
Back Light N Strike in the 13:45 at Newton Abbot
14:05 Chester - Percy's Lad potentially well treated for return to track where he does well
Proven ability to handle the unique profile of Chester's track counts for a lot, and that makes Percy's Lad an interesting runner for Daniel & Claire Kubler in the handicap over an extended seven furlongs.
A prominent racer and seven-furlong specialist, Percy's Lad has the 'Horses For Courses' flag as he's a dual course-and-distance winner, with one of those wins coming in this race two years ago, while he was also third in it in 2023.
Percy's Lad had to miss the whole of last year, but he has had a pipe-opener before being pointed at this contest again and went with plenty of his old zest before tiring to finish down the field at last month's Craven meeting at Newmarket. That run seems sure to have done him so good, and the handicapper has dropped him another 4 lb since then, making him look potentially well treated here, as he's 3 lb clear in the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. He also has the assistance of Tom Marquand in the saddle for the first time.
Back Percy's Lad in the 14:05 at Chester
16:00, Kelso - 'Horse In Focus' Thorneylands interesting on handicap debut
This looks most likely to concern those towards the top of the weights in this handicap hurdle, and the one who makes most appeal is Thorneylands, making his handicap debut for 'Hot Trainer' Nicky Richards.
A half-brother to the useful jumper Break My Soul, third in the Grand Annual at this year's Cheltenham Festival, Thorneylands has his quirks but has shown enough to make him of interest in his first handicap. He only made his debut in December, when runner-up in a bumper at Newcastle, and has since contested three novice hurdles, two at Carlisle and the last one at Kelso.
Thorneylands wasn't given a hard time on his hurdling debut and was then pulled up next time, having lost his action, but he caught the eye on his run here last month, earning the 'Horse In Focus' flag. Patiently ridden, Thorneylands made some headway three out and finished with running left in sixth behind fairly useful winner Smoke Trail who made it a one-sided contest from the front. He looks to have more to offer going into handicaps.
Back Thorneylands in the 16:00 at Kelso