The Cull Bank can be right on the money for King at Plumpton

The Cull Bank can light up the post-cheltenham fare in Plumpton’s attheraces.com Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Inevitably, there is an underwhelming air to proceedings as racing resumes at a less rarefied level today after the Festival and Uttoxeter’s Midlands Grand National card. But a winner is a winner, and The Cull Bank has fine prospects of proving just that.

Alan King’s mares are always notable contenders, and this successful ex-irish pointer struck on her debut under rules by a comfortable six lengths at Fontwell last month – despite an untidy jump at the last.

It was a taking performance which suggests the five-year-old should definitely be able to win again as she moves up in trip here.

Bandon Roc is a little inconsistent, but that should mean he is a decent price in the Every Race Live Racing TV Chase at Exeter.

Kim Bailey’s eight-year-old followed Hereford victory first time out with a miserable performance when pulling up at Uttoxeter in January. He is capable, though, and goes well in this forecast soft ground.

Ninth Wave has made his way swiftly into moderate handicap company, and that may well spell a Southwell victory for Philip Hobbs’ former winning pointer.

Owned by Trevor Hemmings, the five-year-old is almost certainly a future chaser. That does not preclude success before then, though, starting perhaps in the toalsbet Casino Handicap Hurdle.

Ninth Wave was within hailing distance of Star Of Lanka and Geordie B two starts ago at Hereford. That gives him an obvious chance here, down in class and back to the minimum trip off a short break.