Spirit Oscar (2.15) can return to winning ways at Wincanton after failing to see out three miles two starts back and subsequently bumping into a smart one last time out at Warwick.
She runs under a penalty in the mares novices hurdle over two and three quarter miles but a return to good ground and a more suitable trip should see Oliver Sherwood‘s 6-y-o run out a comfortable victor.
Kettlewell (2.45) has to go close in the handicap hurdle over two miles now back on better ground after three spins around the all-weather. The 5-y-o has cheek-pieces on for the first time and the eye-catching booking of AP McCoy next to his name.
AP goes to Wincanton for the ride on V Neck (4.15) for boss JP McManus and trainer Paul Nicholls, the 5-y-o making his debut in handicaps after two promising runs in novice hurdles at Plumpton and Exeter
He was given too much to do on debut and was subsequently no match for Nicholls’ Tagrita in a maiden hurdle over three miles. That form looks strong however with the mare winning her next two starts and V Neck always likely to thrive once handicapping.
David Pipe‘s Vif Argent will be a likely warm favourite for the feature handicap chase over the extended two and a half miles after scoring over course and distance in February. The 5-y-o was well punted on the day and stormed home to win by seven lengths and an 8lb rise looks more than lenient.
Jump City is dangerous sporting cheek-pieces for the first time however a chance can be taken on Balbriggan (3.15) who should be suited by the drop back in trip and better ground.
He beat The Potting Shed at Leicester and then never travelled when disappointing under a penalty on his next start. He has an excellent record fresh, not least when failing to see out the extended three miles on his first start of the season at Market Rasen and is fancied to give a good account.
Last year’s winner Velator returns fresh from a break with the Honeyball stable in excellent form but is running from an 8lb higher mark and looks in the grip of the handicapper.
The column flagged up three winners at Kempton on Monday, assisted with a double from Ryan Moore and it is hoped that he can do the business on Highfields Dancer (6.55) for father Gary in the mile and a half handicap.
The gelding was twice unsuccessful in bumpers before improving to win a maiden at Lingfield, staying on strongly in the closing stages. An opening mark of 69 looks very fair and he is open to progressing further, against exposed rivals.
With champion jockey Richard Hughes out injured Moore will be picking up plenty of spares for Richard Hannon and he rides Cameo Tiara (7.55) in the fillies’ maiden over a mile.
She disappointed on heavy ground at Newbury however she out-run her price when finishing third, beaten a length. A reproduction of that level of form should see her go close for a stable that excel in the sphere and that have started the season in excellent form.
At Leopardstown all eyes will be on Aidan O’Brien’s Kingsbarns (4.40) in the Heritages Stakes over a mile, a race won last year by the same connections with subsequent dual G1 Declaration of War.
He looked potentially world class when winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster as a juvenile but suffered severe injuries last season, and according to connections, was lucky to ever return to the track.
Joseph rides both Kingsbarns and Johann Strauss (4.10) with the latter seeking to shed the maiden tag at the fourth attempt.
The colt chased home Kingston Hill when pitched in at the deep end in the Racing Post Trophy and looks to have classics on his agenda; 8/1 for the Guineas and 25/1 for the Derby with BetVictor.
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