NFC= ?8J <EFL>? 9@K<

*%(,

made a satisfactory hurdling debut at Ffos Las when runner-up to Al Dancer, who has franked the form with wins at Ascot and Cheltenham (Grade Three). So it was no surprise when Present Value scored in style at Chepstow next time. He has a penalty to carry in this novice event, but looks good enough to shrug off the extra poundage. Philip Hobbs’ was a winner first time over hurdles and although he has failed to win since, he has run a couple of good races in defeat.

Truckin Away +%(' PRESENT VALUE (nb) SPRING WOLF (nap)

can complete a hat-trick after wins here and at Taunton for Robert Walford. He has improved since being switched to fences and was a good winner over Midnight Chill last time, drawing clear in the closing stages despite an awkward leap at the last. His course knowledge will stand him in good stead. trained by Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by his son Jonjo Jnr, has yet to get his head in front in a chase, but ran really well when second behind Cesar Et Rosalie, beaten only a length, at Uttoxeter in January.

+%+, (treble)

represents the in-form partnership of trainer Venetia Williams and jockey Charlie Deutsch and can continue the pair’s good run. The 12-year-old was coming off a lengthy break when down the field last time, but had earlier scored at Southwell. He can prove he’s no back number by landing this off a 4lb lower mark than his Southwell rating. Joint top-weight

has failed to trouble the judge in 14 tries, but was a decent second last time out behind The Ogle Gogle Man (runs in the 4.15) and is only 1lb higher here.

Warbler Lithic, CALL CARLO Pine