DESQUE TOP NOTCH
DESQUE DE L’ISLE (3.0) can extend Venetia Williams’ terrific run in the Betfair Handicap Chase at Sandown.
The eight-year-old showed the benefits of wind surgery when routing Sabbathical on his return at Ffos Las, scoring with plenty in hand, so can shrug off a stiff hike in this warmer contest.
ROLLING DYLAN (12.45) can maintain Phillip Hobbs’ winning streak in the amateurs’ chase. MAHLER’S PROMISE (1.50) can call the tune for Seamus Mullins in the novices’ handicap chase.
The gelding was unlucky to encounter winning machine Minella Trump over course and distance. That was still a clear career best so this likeable type can make all under the skilled Sean Houlihan.
Paul Nicholls’ BRAVE KINGDOM (2.25) can conquer his rivals in the Winter Novices’ Hurdle.
The five-year-old oozed class when bolting up from Camdonian on his timber bow at Chepstow. There is plenty more to come from this strong-traveller who should add this Grade 2 to his CV.
The Ditcheat handler can strike again with STORM ARISING (3.35) in the Pertemps Qualifier. The sevenyear-old made rapid headway last term only to flop in the final of this series at Cheltenham so can take advantage of a 1lb lower mark after a break.
ADRIMEL (2.05) can sink his rivals for Tom Lacey in a fascinating novices’ chase at Exeter. The six-year-old landed a Grade 2 over hurdles at Warwick only for his form to tail off in the spring so he can resume winning ways.
Olly Murphy’s GUNSIGHT RIDGE (2.40) looks deadly in the betting.bet Handicap Chase. The useful hurdler was an eye-catching third to Darling Du Large on his fencing bow at Aintree so he can open his account up three furlongs.
YOUNG OFFENDER (3.15) can run riot for Stuart Edmunds in the staying handicap chase.
The six-year-old hacked up from Huntsmans Jog on his first outing over fences at Chepstow and wasn’t stopping over a stiff 3m 2f so he should relish this tougher test of stamina.