Diva should put smiles on faces

Lee’s charge bids to bounce back from defeat last time at Newbury

Kerry Lee’s HAPPY DIVA found Ms Parfois too good last time out at Newbury but there is nothing of that class in the EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Novices’ Chase at Ludlow.

She has a little bit to find with a couple of her rivals here, but she handles testing ground so well and merits full respect.

MYSTICAL KNIGHT can give Rebecca Curtis a boost by winning the January Handicap Chase.

Third to the potentially useful Forest Des Aigles at Bangor on his return this season, he should strip fitter now.

CONTENTED finally got off the mark at Sedgefield and can follow up in the Higos Insurance Services Somerton Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton.

The five-year-old hit the bar on his first two starts in novice company but made no mistake last time, strolling home by seven lengths.

He has gone up 5lb for that victory and must shoulder top weight here, but he looks a potentially decent horse and should rise to the challenge. SELECTIONS:

LUDLOW: 1.00 Melangerie, 1.30 Happy Diva (NAP), 2.00 Mystical Knight, 2.35 Darius Des Bois, 3.10 Virak, 3.45 Pennywell, 4.20 Ligny.

WINCANTON: 1.10 Tacenda, 1.40 Contented, 2.10 Dawson City, 2.45 Triopas, 3.20 Acaro, 3.55 Big Fred.

DOUBLE: Contented and Happy Diva.

Picture: Getty Images. Whatswrongwithyou and Nico de Boinville lead over the last from favourite OK Corral on the way to winning the Betfred ‘Homes Of Goals Galore’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.