Wednesday Racing Tips: Key Timeform data for three top-rated runners

• Better expected for in-form Scholfield yard

• Eye-catching Chepstow fourth to be wiser at Ludlow

• Jockey change could benefit idle Greatrex runner

• For the latest Betfair Racing odds click here

• Click here for more racing tips

14:20, Southwell - Top-rated Hot Rod Lincoln can exploit handicap mark

Nick Scholfield has made a very strong start to his training career and although Hot Rod Lincoln hasn't shown much in two hurdle starts this winter, he returns to fences off only 1 lb above the mark he defied on testing ground at Uttoxeter last February and is worth chancing with Sean Bowen doing the steering for the first time.  

Scholfield himself rode he horse to success at Uttoxeter a year ago, where the son of Westerner was never far from the pace. The Timeform pace prediction for this contest is 'weak', which should mean that the switched-on Bowen is never far from the lead. 

14:33, Ludlow - 'Horse In Focus' Misterdoc to build on promising debut

The only Horse In Focus over jumps in the UK on Wednesday, Misterdoc shaped with plenty of encouragement on his recent stable debut after three months off, finishing with more to give under considerate handling, so he's an appealing candidate in receipt of weight from his older rivals.  

Though he had four starts in French bumpers under his belt, this brother to the fairly useful 2¼m hurdle winner Lord Raffles - who won a good Auteuil event under Bryony Frost in October - looked green when 4¼ lengths fourth to Thewoodcorner in a juvenile hurdle at Chepstow last time, finishing with running left having jinked and lost momentum two out.  

Wiser for that experience, and narrowly top on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings, he's fancied to make amends here. 

14:55, Southwell - He Knows Better can strike for top-rated runners

He Knows Better got off the mark over hurdles at Fontwell in May 2024 when granted a solid pace to chase by Westmill, and the presence of Disguisedlimit along with Noche Negra and Doyouknowwhatimean, looks likely to ensure this race is run at a decent tempo which should suit him best. 

The Warren Greatrex-trained eight-year-old - who is 2 lb clear of nearest rival Get Up Mush on Timeform weights-adjusted ratings - boasts some solid form since switching to fences and, with Sean Bowen taking over in the saddle from brother James on a horse who doesn't do much when he takes the lead, can get his head in front over the larger obstacles now.  

Read more racing previews here