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Castle Robin ran very well when a close third on his return at Warwick and was unlucky when hampered on the run-in. He must have a great chance today and will be suited by the uphill finish.

A 20-runner low-grade handicap hurdle wouldn't be the most attractive of betting opportunities but Apple Rock is handicapped to a decent mark. He was progressive if not spectacular last season and Luca's 7lb claim will bring his weight down to an acceptable level. Each-way chances.

Dual Identity ran well first time out at Salisbury. He has a good draw and Oisin Murphy in the saddle so a decent run is anticipated.

Jaafel, a full-brother to a nice horse of Joseph O'Brien's is shaping very promisingly. Good each-way chances.

El Presente comes into the race with the best form over fences. Providing last week's Exeter exertions have not taken the edge off him, he must go very close in this follow-up attempt.

Whitehaven won well on soft ground here last week. He has a 6lb penalty, compared with an 8lb rise in this week's ratings and faces a longer trip and even more testing ground. Hopefully he can cope with both.

Speedy Cargo put in a great performance to win last time out. He has had a bit of a break to freshen him up and we are expecting a big run.

Raven's Tower has been struggling lately and it's something of an experiment trying him at three miles. His handicap mark has fallen by more than a stone so if he could get back to earlier form he would be very dangerous at the weights.

Can Dandy Dan carry top weight and win first time out over this extended trip? That is the question? He goes well fresh and has been pleasing us at home, so while it's a big ask he certainly could!

Lots Of Luck seems so well at home and this race really suits him. He must have a great chance of winning this on his seasonal return.

Pontresina was very unlucky on his last visit here when he was first over the line, but disqualified. I think he should have kept the race. He does have a squeak today and he likes this good ground.

Sir Busker has been running brilliantly and progressively all year, including on this track and ground. This will be a totally different experience and task and and all we are hoping for is for a run than showcases his qualities.

Black Abbey ran a couple of good races after coming over from France but then became disappointing. This is not the strongest race and with a run behind him after his break he is more than capable of being competitive today.

Frankie Baby jumped well on hurdling debut last time out. He will have improved for that run and with headgear to help him concentrate, he should finish off the race more strongly today.

The Bull Mccabe : There are some promising types in this race but a repeat of his eye-opening run when second at Newton Abbot should put him in with a great chance of winning this.

Young Bull ran in two point-to-points before arriving at Hill Barn. He was very progressive over hurdles last season winning three times and finishing on a mark of 133. He is an out-and-out chaser with his size and scope so we're looking forward to him running over a track and trip that should suit him…

It is a very big ask to expect Illegal Model to tackle a handicap of this quality after only one run under Rules. He was impressive at Lingfield last January and I'm sure he has a big future, but today he is principally there to learn.

Shore Shanty is a quality mare who ran really well on debut last season. She was very green so should have come on a lot from that experience. Hopefully she can run a nice race in this bumper before going novice hurdling later this season.

Ocean Drifter won a point-to-point before joining us and finished a creditable third in a decent bumper at Hereford on his only outing since. He schools very well at home, being sharp and economical over his hurdles. He can be pretty keen so I'm starting him over the minimum trip today. He will want further…

With Promise has had a few chances and I'm turning to headgear again to try to convince him to show what he does at home. I'm not sure he can be totally relied upon so best watched today.