VAL CAN BE OUR PAL
VALLERES (2.25) can maintain Alan King’s domination of the Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.
The gelding built on some excellent bumper form when slamming Kilbrook on his timber debut at Wetherby.
He was then unlucky to run into the talented Threeunderthrufive in a red-hot Ludlow novice next time.
The five-year-old is still nicely unexposed so he can resume wining ways in a cracking renewal of this Grade 2.
FUNAMBULE SIVOLA
(1.50) can bag a fascinating novices’ chase for Venetia Williams. The gelding left his tepid timber form behind when routing Exelerator Express on his fencing bow at Wetherby. I doubt we’ve seen the best of this bold jumper who can follow up for a yard who excel at this venue.
STORM ARISING (3.0) is the call in another brutally competitive Pertemps Qualifier.
Paul Nicholls’ hurdler showed both class and guts to deny Potters Hedger in a warm handicap at Lingfield.
The six-year-old is still well treated so he can put his old rival in his place once again under Harry Cobden.
The mares’ hurdle is just as tricky but I’m backing EMMPRESSIVE LADY (3.35).
Sue Gardner’s charge clearly relished tackling 2m 3f when absolutely bolting up from Lady Kk at Exeter.
The five-year-old is open to plenty of progress so she can make a winning handicap bow for her underrated handler.
THE BIG BREAKAWAY (2.05) can continue his rapid rise over fences at Exeter. Colin Tizzard’s star faces a simple task after hacking up from Doc Penfro on his chasing debut at Cheltenham.
SEVARANO (2.40) can also stay upwardly mobile in the Tote.co.uk Handicap Chase.
Oliver Sherwood’s gelding jumped beautifully when outbattling Mahlervous on his fencing bow at Sandown. The seven-year-old can strike again in a slightly weaker race.
BERMEO (3.15) is worth punting in the gruelling Close Brothers Handicap Chase.
GOWANLAD (5.15) can complete a hat-trick for Phillip Kirby in the feature sprint at Newcastle.