The Brigadier

Aintree 1.20 A wide open 22 runner handicap hurdle to kick things off on Grand National day. Bets should be kept to a minimum but I can't resist a small each way wager on Olly Murphy's ACT OF AUTHORITY who ran a stormer last time out to Wodooh in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham under today's jockey Lewis Saunders who was unable to claim there but can claim his 7lb allowance here which means he's actually racing off of a handicap mark 2lb lower (he was raised 5lb for that fine effort). He can be backed each way with extra places. 1 point each way @ 12/1 Ladbrokes (5 places) 1.55 I'm still licking my wounds from Nicky Henderson's LUAMBA being re-routed here rather than the 4yo hurdle on Thursday and will be chasing my losses as I do think he can outclass these. As a 4 year old he receives a helpful 10lb and on handicap ratings has 9lb and upwards in hand of this field (Timeform actually have him 17lb clear of the field). I'm a bit surprised he's not an odds on shot and will be taking the current 11/8 available in places. 2 points win 11/8 Unibet 2.30 Next up is another open looking 3M 1F handicap chase in which the easy Ultima winner Myretown heads the market. He has however been pulled out twice in his career on good ground and with a 15lb rise will not be carrying my hard earned. There was a horse who finished behind Myretown at Cheltenham that I think is decent enough each way value mind. Mel Rowley is a more than capable trainer and her HAPPYGOLUCKY actually won this very race easily four years ago when in the care of Kim Bailey (he's 10lb lower now). He ran a 15L fourth to Myretown at Cheltenham and re-opposes on 16lb better terms when appearing to run out of puff on the run in. This flatter track may well suit better. He can be backed each way with extra places. 1 point each way 16-1 Bet365 (5 places) 3.05 I would imagine the ground will be too quick for current favourite Teahupoo and he can be opposed here. Last year's winner STRONG LEADER has a great record here which reads 121 and stands out to me as excellent value each way for the very much in form Olly Murphy stable. Back on better ground will suit and I do know the stable are bullish of a big run. Back him each way with firms offering 4 places. 1 point each way 6-1 Betfred (4 places) 4.00 Not really my type of race but for what it's worth my two against the field are last year's winner I AM MAXIMUS and stable companion MINELLA COCOONER. Good luck whoever you're backing. 5.00 Just six run in the 2M Maghull Novices' Chase and it may well be fought out by the front two in L'EAU DU SUD and Only By Night who met at Cheltenham last time. There wasn't much between them but in the hope that the first time cheek pieces will help the former he's the tentative pick. 1 point win @ 6/4 Bet Victor 5.35 The card finishes with a wide open renewal of the 2M 1F Weatherbys bumper in which nothing stands out to me.

Here's my thoughts on day two of the Grand National meeting which should be run on drying good to soft ground. 1.45 The drying ground may not be in Handstands favour with the same to be said about Stellar Story and I think this is a race to leave alone. 2.20 A 22 runner 2m 4f handicap hurdle in which the Nicky Henderson trained IMPOSE TOI appeals each way. He was having only his second run of the season when runner up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham 23 days ago and despite a 4lb rise in the weights has plenty in his favour including the ground and looks sure to run a big race. 1 point each way @ 7/1 Bet365 (6 places) 2.55 The favourite ROMEO COOLIO will take some beating here having had one of his rivals Salvator Mundi 11 1/4L behind at Cheltenham. Gordon Elliot's six-year-old ran a credible third to the winner Kopek Des Bordes that day and that form (and his previous Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown over Christmas) should be good enough to take this. 1 point win @ 5/4 William Hill 3.30 Only four have declared for this 2M 4F Melling Chase and with El Fabiolo looking a former shade of the horse he once was (and even then he couldn't beat Jonbon) this looks destined to go to the Seven Barrows stable of Nicky Henderson. He's a skinny price now so let's just watch him make it four from four at the Merseyside track. 4.05 A bumper field of thirty line up for this year's Topham Chase in which you will need plenty of luck. Last year's runner up James Du Berlais is on my short list but watching the race back earlier I was surprised to see how well Henry De Bromhead's SHANTREUSSE was going in the race when blundering badly at the fifth last. Amazingly he ran on to finish 7th, beaten 20L and at his likely odds is worth chancing each way with extra places in a wide open renewal. 1 point each way @ 16/1 Skybet (7 places) 4.40 A competitive renewal of the 3M Sefton Novices Hurdle in which several have good chances. I like Gordon Elliott's mare FAMILIAR DREAMS who was a four time bumper winner last season for Anthony McCann before joining Elliot to go hurdling. She's won two of her three starts over timber including last time out in Grade 3 company at Limerick and should appreciate stepping up in trip. As the highest rated horse in the field she looks value. 1 point each way @ 10/1 Bet365 (4 places) 5.15 The day finishes with another open handicap in the shape of the 22 runner 2M handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys and amateur riders. Plenty with chances but Sam Thomas's CELTIC DINO looks to hold a decent each way chance. Ridden by the useful conditional Dylan Johnston he is making his handicap debut and has already won twice on good ground so conditions should suit. 1 point each way @ 7/1 Bet365 (5 places)

The first day of the three day Grand National meeting starts in predicted glorious sunshine and with the ground no doubt heavily watered. 1.45 A good start to the meeting with my pick being Harry Fry's GIDLEIGH PARK who can be backed each way here. He wouldn't want the ground too dry (he has been pulled out before on good ground) but I feel sure the clerk of the course would have instructed plenty of water to be put on for the start of the meeting which is currently good to soft. The pick beat subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner Caldwell Potter at Windsor last time and having missed Cheltenham should be coming here a fresh horse and looks the value each way bet. 1 point each way @ 11/2 Bet365 2.20 Having gone in head first on Luamaba at 6/4 at the six day stage I'm already well behind on the race with that one surprisingly (especially as his trainer Nicky Henderson was telling all he was going for this race last weekend) missing out the race now has an open look about it and at the current prices I'll take a chance with Gordon Elliot's WENDROCK who shaped well in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham 23 days ago when 6th (beaten 7 1/2L) to the re-opposing Puturhandstogether. On 6lb better terms he looks each way value to small stakes. Keep an eye on hurdling newcomer Coconut Grove at a monster price also for a shrewd outfit. 1/2 point each way @ 11/1 Bet365 2.55 No stand outs here with the highest rated actually the rank outsider in Djelo who ran so badly at Cheltenham. Grey Dawning is probably the most likely winner having missed Cheltenham and bouncing back to form at Kelso but I'll take a chance with Lucinda Russell's AHOY SENOR who always runs well here with form figures of 113223 including runner up in this race for the last two years. His trainer was actually quite bullish of him running well following a wind operation last time out in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but he crashed out seven from home and back on his happy stomping ground is worth chancing each way with (hopefully) all eight standing their ground. 1 point each way @ 13/2 William Hill 3.30 It will be great for racing if the unbeaten (when completing) under rules Constitution Hill was to win this but watching back his victory in this race two years ago he was hardly spectacular in beating the then 10-y-o Sharjah (OR 157) and Zanayir (159). He may still be too good for these but at odds on he wouldn't be for me and it's a no bet race. 4.05 A maximum field of thirty go to post for the Foxhunters and I'll leave this to our hunter chase expert @Darran who will no doubt have strong opinions on the race. 4.40 The best betting race of the day in my opinion is this fourteen runner 2M handicap chase named after Red Rum. I'm actually pretty sweet on one who finished last of 4 finishers (beaten some 47L) at Chepstow last time out! The horse in question is last year's winner SANS BRUIT who I backed in this race last year when given a peach of a ride from the front by Bryony Frost to win by a cosy 4L. His form has fallen apart since but because of that he finds himself back on the identical handicap mark. Harry Cobden takes over from Frost and as the only real out and out front runner in the race it would be no shock were he to get out in front, grab the rail and whizz around this tight track. He might fall in a heap two out but I'm pretty sure we'll get a good run for our money and although the initial odds are a bit stingy he's worth backing each way. I do fear Primoz who was backed off the boards at Cheltenham only to be inconvenienced by a standing start and looks a big threat. 1 point each way @ 13/2 Hills (4 places) 5.15 Day one finishes with a competitive twenty runner bumper for mares. My shortlist comprises of favourite Seo Linn, Charisma Cat and JACKIE HOBBS. All three hold decent chances but its the latter who appeals most (especially as he's currently the biggest price of the trio). Harry Derham's mare is unbeaten in a point to point and two bumpers looking smart when coasting home at Ascot in February. 1 point each way @ 8/1 AK Bets (4 places)

My picks for Day 4 :- 1.20 Luamba 2.00 Absurde (NAP) 2.40 Dinoblue 3.20 Intense Approach (ew) 4.00 Galopin Des Champs 4.40 Fairly Famous (ew) 5.20 Wodooh (ew)

Here's my selections for Day 3 - 1.20 Galileo Dame 2.00 Moon D'Orange (ew) 2.40 Win Some Lose Some (ew) 3.20 Djelo (ew) 4.00 Lucky Place (ew) 4.40 The Companysergeant (ew) NAP 5.20 Midnight Our Fred (ew)

My Picks for Day Two :- 1.20 Final Demand 2.00 Ballyburn 2.40 Beat The Bat (each way) 3.20 Stumptown 4.00 Jonbon 4.40 Primoz (each way) 5.20 Kalypsochance

Here are my picks for Day One :- 1.20 Kopek Des Bordes 2.00 Majborough 2.40 Katate Dori (ew) 3.20 July Flower (ew) 4.00 Constitution Hill 4.40 Hot Fuss (ew) (NAP) 5.20 Haiti Couleurs (ew) Good luck everyone

Ahead of next week's festivities at Cheltenham we have some competitive racing with ITV showing 7 races (just like the good old days with the ITV7 !). Here's my thoughts and bets on the septet. There's one race coming at you from Hereford, the 2.05 which has only attracted five runners. I've no strong thoughts on the race though the favourite Western General can be taken on now that he's up 10lb for his latest win on today's drying ground. We have Four from Sandown with the opener a cracking renewal of the EBF Novices Handicap Hurdle at 1.50. A case can be made for plenty but I am quite keen on the Paul Nicholls runner BELLIANO. He looks well treated on his second to the New Lion at Chepstow in October and has done little wrong since in winning at Ascot and Market Rasen. Nicholls has previous in the race winning it twice including with McFabulous who was well backed. He should be backed each way with five places a must. The 2.25 is the day's feature race in the Imperial Cup but it looks a wide open contest to me. No bets but I do think the top weight Lump Sun should run well. The 3.00 is the listed mares bumper and for me gives us the nap bet with the Alan King trained CHARISMA CAT who was a tad unlucky last time out at Huntingdon when she flew on the run in to only go down by a neck. 2 3/4L back in third was the re-opposing Dream Shadow who looks held. According to King in his 'Weekender' preview the mare will appreciate the drying ground. The 3.35 looks a tough enough handicap chase so no bets there. Onto Wolverhampton and I fancy one in the opener at 2.45, the Lincoln Trial. Richard Hughes's WHIP CRACKER is nicely berthed in stall 2. One from one on a synthetic surface, he's lightly raced and has kept good company in his short seven race career and he's worth backing each way especially with four places. The other race at the Midlands track is the listed 7F Lady Wulfrana Stakes in which the Roger Varian trained Jabaara could be the one to beat but again is a no bet race for me. BELLIANO 1 point each way 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 WHIP CRACKER 1 point each way 7/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 1/2 point each way double CHARISMA CAT 2 points win 9/4 William Hill

We have 10 races coming to us from ITV from three meetings and considering Cheltenham is just around the corner is pretty decent fayre. The day's nap for me is Alan King's CASTLE CARROCK (2.55 Kelso). He impressed me on his hurdling debut at Sandown when turning over the heavily punted Ben Pauling favourite Diva Luna who has been a mid week gamble for the Mares Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham this week from 33-1 into 12-1 following some positive words from her handler. This is a step up in grade for the pick but I will be surprised were he not to go close. King can also be on the scoresheet with his HELNWEIN (1.10 Kelso) who will appreciate the drying ground up there and has had his wind tinkered with since flopping last time out. GREY DAWNING is the best in at the weights in the 1.45 and although no price should be beating Iroko. ACE OF SPADES (2.20) makes his handicap debut for the Skelton's and although my first impression was to take him on when you start to look at his opposition it's hard to find too many dangers. The feature race at Kelso is the Moorebattle Handicap Hurdle at 3.30 which has an open look about it. A big careful for me is the Neil Mulholland runner Petrol Head who was a bit of a plot horse when trained in Ireland so should be watched carefully in the market (at time of writing he's friendless in the market). I think there's a big handicap win in the Jonjo & AJ O'Neill trained TELLHERTHENAME who is making his handicap debut but has some decent novice form to his name and will love the drying and fresh ground. At Doncaster I will be backing Oliver Greenall & Josh Guierriero's HOMME PUBLIC who is two from three at the track including this very race a year ago and he can race off of the same handicap mark here today having been running over hurdles for his last three starts. Trainer Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones are in irresistible form currently and the combo team up with the top weight TWIG in the feature race, the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at 3.15. He's been racing over hurdles this season but if back to anywhere near his career best second in last season's Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival should go close here. He can be backed each way. The first race from Newbury on terrestrial TV is the veterans chase at 1.20 in which Anthony Honeyball has the front three in the betting and it maybe top weight SAM BROWN who can come out on top with the stable's conditional jockey (seen winning the opener at Newbury on Friday) Chad Bament looking excellent value for his 10lb claim. The feature race at the Berkshire track is the Greatwood Gold Cup at 3.45 in which I like the Oliver Greenall & Josh Guierriero novice BILLYTHEREALBIGRED that catches the eye. He may still be ahead of his mark and looks likely to give us a big run for our money. He can be backed each way. I can't resist a saver mind on the 11 year old PAINT THE DREAM who's record at the track reads 5111 including this race three years ago from a 12lb higher mark. He's joined David Brace this season and has dropped 15lb for three poor runs so may have gone but is so well handicapped if he does come back to somewhere like his old form can outrun his big odds. Plenty to get stuck into and the bet I suggest is a 1/4 point each way super yankee on the following: - Castle Carrock 2.55 Kelso Tellherthename 3.30 Kelso Homme Public 2.40 Doncaster Sam Brown 1.20 Newbury Billytherealbigred 3.45 Newbury

Welcome @Pendulum - plenty of good chat on here, the At The Races forum looks the one for you.

Welcome to the forum @NikoL

Rubaud will be hard to beat in the first race on ITV (1.50 Kempton) although he has yet to try this trip so won't be carrying my money today. MONDO NAN (2.25 Kempton) was smart on the flat and despite pulling like a mustang ran a race full of promise on his hurdles debut for Gary and Josh Moore when runner up to Luamaba at Ascot and with a crossed noseband and a different bit should be taking care of his five rivals all be it at skinny odds. I'm keen on one in the 3.00 Kempton, the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle. Miami Magic had CELTIC DINO 9L back in fourth when runner up at Aintree on Boxing Day in the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle but may struggle to confirm that form with Sam Thomas's charge. Thomas has stated that he's never had a horse that is so dependent on good ground so the soft conditions at Aintree that day were totally against him. As long the ground doesn't deteriorate he looks a great each way bet. The big handicap there is the 3.35 and it has a rather open look a about it. At a nice price my fancy is the Jonjo and AJ O'Neill trained BEACHCOMBER who impressed when winning over course and distance over Christmas by 10L. That form has worked out well with three of those behind winning since. He has to contend with a 9lb rise in the weights but looks good each way value with 4 places to small stakes. ROYAL CHAMPION (3.15 Southwell) will be hard to beat in the Winter Derby with the runner up from his latest win winning since. He should see out the extra furlong and be hard to beat. Also at Southwell GLEN BUCK (3.50) has standout claims for the Varian team and is the day's best bet. The feature race at Newcastle, the Eider Chase at 2.10 is wide open and a no play race for me although last year's runner up PRINCE DES FICHAUX could outrun his monster odds and place. I can also pass on a good word for the David Pipe runner GOLD IN THE RIVERS (2.32 Chepstow) who is making his handicap debut for Pipe having had a wind op since last seen. I'll be backing him each way.

The day's nap has to be the Paul Nicholls trained PIC D'ORHY (3.37 Ascot) who will love the drying ground (it's likely to ride on the good side there) with the trip ideal. His two main rivals, L'Homme Presse and Corbetts Cross are being aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and need further than this and softer ground. Pic D'Orhy has a great track record with four wins from 7 starts including in this race last year when he comfortably beat L'Homme Presse by making all. Expect Harry Cobden to adopt the same tactics and should be very hard to beat. The big novice chase at 1.50 looks a shoot out between Nicky Henderson's Jingko Blue and Philip Hobbs & Johnson White's Lowry's Bar who met at Windsor 27 days ago with the former finishing 2 1/4L in front. That doesn't tell the full story though as LOWRY'S BAR made a jolting mistake three from home and but for that could of won that day. He's 5lb better off today and looks the pick. The 2.25 is a competitive handicap hurdle but I can't resist a small each way bet on Evan Williams's PATRIOTIK. His recent form stacks up well and his trainer is in good form with a double at Hereford on Wednesday. I'm a big BURDETT ROAD fan and fully expect him to make all and best his main danger Golden Ace in the 1.35 Wincanton The big race at Haydock is the Grand National Trial (only in name mind) at 3.15 and the horse I like here is the Jamie Snowden trained GIT MAKER. He was amongst my horses to follow this season as I think on his second to Inotherwayuthinkin in the Kim Muir and third in the Scottish National last Spring remains a well handicapped horse. He's only been seen once this season when obviously not ready in finishing down the field over hurdles at Windsor and despite being five pounds out of the handicap looks great each way value. Pic D'Orhy (337 Ascot) 4 points win @ 15/8 William Hills Lowrys Bar (1.50 Ascot) 2 points win @ 2/1 Bet365 Patriotik (2.25 Ascot) 1 point each way @15/2 William Hills 1/5th 1234 Burdett Road (1.36 Wincanton) 3 points win @ 8/11 William Hills Git Maker (3.15 Haydock) 2 points each way @ 11/2 Bet365 1/5 123

Unfortunately we won't be seeing Sir Gino tomorrow as he has picked up an injury - let's hope it's not too bad and we get to see him at the Festival. In his absence the front running MATATA (3.00 Newbury) looks the most likely winner against just four rivals, three of whom have to carry penalties. The big betting race is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (former Schweppes, Tote Gold Trophy, Betfair Gold Cup) at Newbury at 3.35 and the pick for me is NAVAJO INDY. He has a great record at the track which reads 121 with the defeat coming at the hands of the smart Be Aware. He ran a strange race last time out at Windsor when getting behind early having not jumped the first well and looked at one point like he was going to be pulled up. He ran on well and was the fastest finisher ending up just 3L behind the eventual winner and favourite for this race Secret Squirrel. With that one shouldering a 5lb penalty I'm confident he can get closer and I presume the first time cheek pieces are on to help him travel better early on the contest. Tom Symonds's six-year-old has been well supported throughout the week but is beginning to ease out a bit so I suggest a good each way bet at the current best odds of 6-1 with at least 5 places. L'EAU DU SUD (2.05) and GALA MARCEAU (2.40) look bankers at Warwick and are hard to oppose all be it at cramped odds but just the one bet on the day for me in Navajo Indy EW.

ITV are showing 9 races including the Irish Gold Cup which to my eyes looks a cakewalk for the favourite Galopin Des Champs who holds the majority of the field on his impressive course and distance Savills Chase win over Christmas. He's scant value but he surely wins this. At Sandown the bets I like are SOLE SELECTION (1.25) who looked good last time out at Hereford having previously chased home the smart Sixmilebridge. I'm sure the ground will be pretty testing there on Saturday and that will suit Venetia Williams's handicap debutant. I'm a big fan of Nicky Henderson's JANGO BAIE (2.35) and he'll be hard to beat in the Scilly Isles Novices Chase. I took 5/2 in the week (the Irish runners were never going to come over) so am in a good position there and hope he can get the job done today against two decent rivals in Handstands (who beat the pick over hurdles) and Kalif Du Berlais. HENRI THE SECOND (3.07) is my fancy in the big 2M 7F handicap hurdle although I am a bit disappointed with the price. His latest victory over course and distance on similar ground has been boosted since by victories for the runner up and third (twice) and a 8lb rise look lenient. I do fear Red Dirt Road who's stepping up in distance but has won an Irish point-to-point (beating the useful Corbetts Cross over 3M) and will have a small saver on him. At Musselburgh and I fancy AFADIL to score back to back victories in the 2.17, the Scottish County handicap Hurdle even though his latest run was a poor one. He's won at this meeting for the last two season's and is 4lb lower than when taking this a year ago. Freddie Gingell rode him that day and keeps the ride. Good luck everyone whatever you're backing this weekend.

Just pulled out and looking to come with a big run when falling (fatally). RIP

Yes - I'm not sure the big race should be run at 3.15 tbh - pathetic this afternoon, glorified flat slalom races

Cheltenham Trials day with both Constitution Hill (3.00) and East India Dock (1.15) looking to enhance their Festival claims further with victory. I think they both should be winning and must admit I can easily see the other two 'skinny' ones L'Homme Presse (2.25) and Potters Charm (4.10) winning as well. Not much value there though I'm afraid. GINNY'S DESTINY (1.50) is 3 from 6 at the track and despite top weight his 3rd last time out to Djelo and Protecktorat has been boosted since by the latter winning the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. He should go close. The nap runs at Doncaster however in the big handicap of the day, the 3.15, the Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Handicap. Anthony Honeyball's FORWARD PLAN looks excellent each way value and I was pleased to see the ground apparently drying out on Friday as he doesn't want a bog according to his trainer. He has a great record at Town Moor which reads 123 including a nose second in this race a year ago. He raced off of a mark of 129 that day and although he's now rated 138 has the assistance of the stable conditional jockey Chad Bament who looks good value for his 10lb claim bringing his mark down to around the same as 12 months ago. Bament has ridden just 2 winners from 22 rides - both for Honeyball and he looks a good each way bet. FORWARD PLAN 1 point each way 6/1 Coral 1/5 12345

Hi @The Equaliser, Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot. I'm afraid the daily tips are fed through from the PA and I am just choosing the nap, acca etc so they're not my 'selections'.

A great days action ahead of us with Haydock passing it's early morning inspection. My nap of the day is ROYAL PAIGALLE (230 Haydock) who has won 5 of his 6 starts at the track and despite the steadier of 12 stone will plough through the mud and take the beating. Ascot is about the three skinny ones for me and I'll be having a treble on LUAMBA (12.30) who I'm led to believe has been working well with Jonbon at home. The Gary Moore runner was smart on the flat in France and should be a real test today mind. KARGESE (1.40) should be too classy for her rivals and I'm with JONBON (3.32) in the big one although obviously Energumene is likely to push him all the way. At current odds of 4/5, 1/2 & 8/13 with William Hill the treble pays just over 10/3. I also like MARTATOR (2.15 Ascot) who is two from three here and should appreciate stepping up in trip and BO ZENITH (2.50 Ascot) who was a major eye catcher last time. I wouldn't fancy being a bookie at Ascot today! I can also pass on a tip for DAVIDOC (2.40 Taunton) who's beginning to blue up. Good luck everyone.

Hi CPW, Great to have you on board. Happy New Year

Ran a blinder backed down to 11/4, beaten by a horse who drifted from 7/1 to 22/1 🙄

Hi, I've been given a more admin based job in sorting out the PA feed tips for the horse racing tips so won't be doing my weekend tips I'm afraid. I'll try and add the occasional ante-post piece when time permits. Good Luck all

Doyen Quest has been raised 10lb so will be 5lb 'well in' for Saturdays race

I’m chasing a weekend ante-post hat trick following the advices of King Turgeon (advised 25/1) in the Grand Sefton and Burdett Road (advised 5/1) in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and have had a good look at this weekend's big handicap hurdle at Haydock the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle run over three miles and 58 yards. The ground is currently good there but with an unsettled forecast of rain, sleet and snow can see the ground riding more on the soft side. Dan Skelton has left in three runners with the current favourite Doyen Spirit having to carry a 5lb penalty for his cosy enough victory at Cheltenham last weekend. The handicapper is likely to raise him more than the 5lb (we will know on Tuesday) and if he lines up has to be part of the staking plan as he’s totally unexposed at this trip. The Skeltons mentioned this race after he won at the weekend and he looks the one to beat. Much better value however is the James Owen trained One Big Bang. He has shown much improved form since joining Owen from Paul Tobin in Ireland winning over course and distance in the mud on his stable debut back in March. The six-year-old followed up in a three runner novice hurdle at Uttoxeter a week later before not being seen till the end of October when runner up to Hymac at Newton Abbot. Owen has spoken positively about the horse in a stable tour last month and although his future lies over fences he may creep in to the bottom of the handicap here and should be backed each way for a yard that did us a big favour at the weekend. He’s currently number 21 in a race where only 17 can run so it may be touch and go whether he gets in to the race but it’ll be money back if he is balloted out. Back him each way and Doyen Quest win only. ONE BIG BANG 1 point each way 20/1 (general) 1/4 1234 DOYEN QUEST 1 point win @ 7/2 BetMGM