Sunday May 11th

Three runners at Uttoxter and one at Worcester today.

Uttoxeter
3.00 - 2m 6 1/2f Novices Chase
Nikola has been very consistent over a long period now and should have every chance in this provided he appreciates the ground. There is no reason to suppose that he will have a problem on it, but even so, we probably wouldn't want it to firm up too much. David England rides them all at Uttoxter today (Paddy on holiday courtesy of the stewards!), and his 3lb claim may be particularly useful here, hopefully getting us off to a good start.

4.00 - 2m Handicap hurdle
The hurdles course is evidently on the good to firm side and this could well be in favour of Apollo Creed here on his return to hurdling. This is his handicap debut and he could be particularly well weighted too. These plusses should give him an excellent chance of at least making the frame, but we would hope that he can do better and looks to have a good chance of winning.

5.00 - 2m NH Flat, mares only
Starlet Mandy ran a good race at Towcester on her debut to be fourth, just running out of gas in the latter stages. That experience will have brought her on and she should have good chances in what looks to be similar company today. Its likely that there may be one or two speed merchants in the field though, and with Mandy looking to be more of a staying sort in time, it may be better to err on the side of caution and go each way today.

Worcester
3.20 - 2m Handicap Chase
Call Me Edward will find today's good ground much more to his liking and he should show up better than his last three runs. He's also dropped a little in the handicap to a mark that he has previously won from. Sean Quinlan rides, claiming 5lbs, and it may be worth a small each way interest at long odds.