The opening maiden hurdle over two miles has attracted entries from a large number of the leading trainers amongst whom Nicky Henderson, whose novice hurdlers are becoming commonplace at this venue, has a choice of Park Lane and Shakalakaboomboom. The former fetched £55000 at the sales when purchased from the flat yard of Barry Hills for whom he was a fairly decent winning miler. The better ground he is likely to encounter should suit the four year old. Shakalakaboomboom is in contrast bred for the National Hunt game and was apparently well fancied on his debut at Ffos Las when he showed enough in defeat to suggest he could prove progressive. If either turn up they merit respect in this grade. Mega Watt was still travelling well when he fell here behind the useful Action Impact last time and assuming that has not affected his confidence the Venetia Williams charge has to be regarded as a player here. Others well worth consideration in a potentially competitive event are Charlie Mann’s Blue Spartan, the Tizzard trained Coup Royale and Nick Giffords Wizard Of Odds who all have claims in a race of this type. Jim Best thinks Barrel Of Fun is a horse of potential and this ex Dermot Weld flat performer will be suited by decent ground and should be watched with interest. The market will be a good guide to his chance as will Pat Phelan’s Oxford City but he needs this outing to get a mark and when he switches to handicaps is probably when we will see the best of him. Worth noting if he takes his chance. A difficult race for which it is hard to be confident of the outcome.

Just like the first race the subsequent 2m5f novice hurdle looks a competitive event based on the five day entries. Henderson once again has s strong hand of entries and his chosen runner will feature prominently in the market. The pick of the five he has entered is almost certainly Pipe Banner who seems to have enjoyed his recent step up to a two and a half mile trip. Better ground than he has encountered the last twice is certain to benefit him. He would be my choice in the race. Emma Lavelle may send Heez A Cracker for this race and he is another who has shown potential with also The Big Orse and Azulada Bay worthy of consideration.

The novice handicap Chase at 3.30 has an entry from the yard of Caroline Bailey who has not had a runner here for the best part of five years. Should her Prince Des Marais take up his option he and another Emma Lavelle runner Rcam are sure to feature prominently in a fairly modest contest.

Lewes trainer Jim Best has a quartet of entries in the selling hurdle and the winner should come from his preferred. Paddy Butler has his course specialist Wondersobright as a possible but he is exposed and the Best team is likely to prevail with Gamesters Lady who won at the last meeting his most likely choice.

After a frustrating run of placed efforts over hurdles Count Boris has received an entry over fences from his trainer Jim Best in a bid to break the chain. He will potentially come up against another locally trained performer in Portrait Royale in the staying chase. The mare, who returned after a break to win here last time, would not want the ground to get too soft but trainer Anna Newton-Smith has always had a high opinion of her and is very hopeful of a good deal of improvement to come. The Caroline Bailey yard I mentioned earlier and whose runners have been so sparse here in recent years also has an entry in this race with Wherrimon. He has been in winning form and should be noted if standing his ground.

Betting opportunities may present themselves with the Henderson selected in the 3.00 and Barrel Of Fun could prove a cut above his rivals in the opener although goodish ground would be a prerequisite. Best should also win the seller.

Take note of the performances and appearance of Oxford City, Coup Royale, Heez A Cracker and Blue Spartan with the future in mind should they turn up and take their chances.