TIME TO GO WITH GRANVAL

Valseur Du Granval has what it takes to become an appropriate winner of the Clarke Chase at Uttoxeter tomorrow.

The nine-year-old is owned by Simon Clarke and this race is run in memory of his late parents, Sir Stanley and Lady Hilda Clarke, who will forever be linked with the Staffordshire track.

Valseur Du Granval went close to landing this handicap prize 12 months ago but found Days Of Heaven a length and half too good.

Trainer Tom George has minded him since then and run him just the four times.

While Valseur Du Granval was well beaten on the first three of those, which were well spaced out, but he bounced back to form at Ludlow on his latest outing.

He defeated Poker School by 10 lengths over two miles, for which he was raised 8lb - 3lb higher than last year - but one that he needed to help get him into the race.

Oskar Denarius can take his winning streak to four in the Drive Home With James Summers Signal 1 Handicap Hurdle.

Victories at Southwell, Worcester and Newton Abbot in the last five weeks have seen Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old rise a total of 25lb. It looks deserved and he is hard to oppose while he is in such good heart.

Desirable Court overcame a year’s absence when getting off the mark under rules at Newton Abbot earlier this month.

She had won her only previous start, which came in a point-to-point, and had undergone wind surgery.

Alan King’s charge can follow up in the Signal 80’s Now On Dab Radio Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.