ONLY ONE LION KING
HEART OF A LION (5.05) looks a threat for Alan King in the Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle at Doncaster.
The gelding caught the eye when chasing home the classy Atholl Street over two miles at Taunton in December.
The six-year-old will relish 2m 4f and should be primed after a spin on the all-weather.
POGUE (3.25) can maintain Donald McCain’s winning run in the Virgin Bet Handicap Chase. The grey put in a shift when second to Barton Knoll over track and trip in November.
The eight-year-old is nicely unexposed over fences so can go one better after a break.
TOP UP THE FASHION (4.30) looks poised to shade a trappy novices’ handicap chase for Charlie Mann.
The gelding was unlucky when second to Gleno at Fakenham in November.
The seven-year-old is open to progress over fences so can strike for his shrewd handler.
The closing veterans’ handicap chase is even tighter but it’s worth siding with OZZY THOMAS (5.35).
Henry Oliver’s 11-year-old can build on his encouraging third behind Just Your Type at Uttoxeter in November.
Thriving team King ought to strike at Newbury as well with EYES RIGHT (1.50).
The mare showed decent timber form and has the scope to be better over fences. SHUT THE BOX (3.0) is worth punting in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap Chase.
Chris Gordon’s gelding ran a stormer when just held by Funambule Sivola over course and distance. The seven-yearold is still on a decent mark so should triumph after a warm-up on the all-weather.
HOWLING MILAN (3.35) can call the tune in the BetVictor Handicap Hurdle.
Samuel Drinkwater’s charge was second to Polish in hotter company over track and trip.
The gelding is in form so can capitalise on an attractive mark dropped in class.
Jo Davis’ SAGGAZZA (4.10) stands out in a tricky looking conditionals’ hurdle.
The gelding gave My Drogo most resistance in a maiden here in November.
The seven-year-old rates a surefire improver in handicaps so ought to open his account over 2m 4f 118y.