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Count of Vendome stands out on form
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Act of Innocence has even more to offer
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Aisling Oscar can complete an eight-timer
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13:50, Doncaster - Count of Vendome can go one place better
Count of Vendome had some strong form in bumpers last season, winning two of his three starts in that sphere, and beating several subsequent winners in the process.
He also made a most encouraging start over hurdles when narrowly beaten at Bangor in November, and he arguably should have won on that occasion, around three lengths ahead and steadied into the last where he lost all momentum.
Count of Vendome rallied well but was just edged out near the finish, earning him the Horse In Focus Flag, highlighting him as one to look out for next time. Trainer Donald McCain also has the Hot Trainer Flag which advertises he's in good form at present, and Count of Vendome is also top rated on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, at least 12lb clear of those with experience.
He is a nice type physically, who is open to improvement, and he should prove hard to beat on the back of a short break.
Back Count of Vendome in the 13:50 Doncaster
15:10, Huntingdon - Act of Innocence remains with plenty of potential
Act of Innocence was a near-smart performer in bumpers for Paul Nicholls last season, opening his account in that sphere at Taunton on his final start last season, and he made a big impression on his debut over hurdles for this yard when beating a next-time-out winner at Newbury in November.
He took a stride or two to realise what was required after jumping the last, but he quickened up nicely from there when the penny dropped to win going away.
Indeed, he was turned over at prohibitive odds by a three-year-old receiving lumps of weight over the same course and distance last time, but that is to take nothing away from his potential, and the step up in trip is sure to suit this stoutly-bred six-year-old.
Act of Innocence sets the standard on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, and the 'small p' attached to his rating symbolises he's open to further improvement.
Back Act of Innocence in the 15:10 Huntingdon
19:00, Southwell - Thriving Aisling Oscar handicapped to win again
Aisling Oscar has been prolific since joining Adrian Keatley, winning seven of his eight starts, and he can extend his sequence to eight in this one-mile handicap.
All of his starts so far in Britain have come at Newcastle, with three of his wins coming at a mile, and judged by his latest success a fortnight ago, he's capable of defying a further 6lb rise in the weights.
He has been superbly placed by connections so far, but he still looked some way ahead of his mark turned out under a penalty last time, even if he was made to work harder than previously by another bang in-form rival.
That pair pulled clear of the remainder in a race which was supported by a good timefigure, and the return to a mile switched to this track will be very much in his favour. Aisling Oscar is at least 2lb clear of his rivals on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings and seems sure to launch another bold bid.
Back Aisling Oscar in the 19:00 Southwell