The first day of the Easter meeting has attracted some nice fields and amongst them some fair prospects for the future.

Lord Singer from the Gary Moore stable is gradually starting to relax on the racecourse and whilst he is still a little too enthusiastic he was more amenable at Newbury on his last start. If that progress continues he will be very difficult to beat in the 2m handicap hurdle with only himself or the Sheena West trained Screaming Brave looking serious dangers. The West runner will need the ground to dry out significantly to show his true ability and on balance Lord Singer looks the right choice for this race.

The selling hurdle also looks as though it will provide a locally trained winner with Jim Best having two entries which both have good chances he told me last week. Dolans Bay and Geography will have the assistance of improving young riders in a race restricted to conditional jockeys. The chief threat to Jim taking the prize is probably Saddlers Mot from Gary Moore’s yard. These races are obviously low quality and that can make them a little difficult to predict but with Geography being a course and distance winner I will give him a tentative vote.

The novice handicap chase sees local jockey Marc Goldstein, who has been in great form during the second half of the season, renew his partnership with Sumdancer for the Madgwick yard. The 2m1f trip at this track ideally suits the eight year old and should he show his best form whatever beats him will most likely win. Of his rivals probably Star Galaxy and Shes Humble would provide the most potent threat.

In the staying novice handicap chase later on the card we will see another young rider who has caught the eye here at Plumpton during the season. Seven pound claimer Mark Quinlan has had a rough time with injuries but he has shown great promise and the Mulholland yard have recognised this and given him a number of winners. He will ride Hobbs Dream for them over the 3m2f trip here and although the Jevington trainer Anna Newton-Smith will be hoping Quartz De Montceau will give him a good test, conditions look good for Quinlan and Hobbs Dream to record success.

Newton-Smith will be watching course specialist The Hardy Boy closely on his return from a break in the 2m5f handicap chase. She feels he will benefit from the run after sustaining a niggling injury when winning on his last start here. With that knowledge in mind the Charlie Mann trained Prince Louis must be considered a potential winner. Peter Toole has a valuable claim and with Manns excellent record and the horses course and distance winning form this may prove to be the best betting opportunity of the day.

The opening novice hurdle over 2m5f provides a fascinating match between the juvenile Fin Vin De Leu and Secret Stash. Both are interesting prospects for handicaps next season and the extended trip may see Secret Stash come out on top this time. Whatever it is a good contest and worth watching with the future in mind.