Away from Aintree, it is a busy day of action on Sky Sports Racing with two jumps and flat meetings to enjoy.
2.15 Chepstow – Unbeaten Authodidacte faces red-hot Lacrima
Unbeaten Authodidacte bids to make it three wins from three for current connections in the Tiptop Clean Convenience Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow. The Venetia Williams-trained six-year-old, a dual winner on the flat in France, has taken to hurdles with aplomb, posting victories at Leicester and Uttoxeter. She returns from a break on just her second handicap start and will be popular despite her latest form having suffered a few knocks.
Lacrima is an intriguing runner on debut for Nick Scholfield. His form is hard to gauge — he has won his last three starts over fences — and he is worth watching in the betting. Others to note include Doctors Hill, while The Kemble Brewery reverts to hurdles after falling over fences here in November.
2.37 Yarmouth – Classy Del Maro takes on unexposed rivals
Useful three-year-old Del Maro heads a five-strong field for the tigerbet.co.uk National Extra Places Paid Novice Stakes at Yarmouth. The Charlie Appleby-trained son of Camelot ran several solid races last season, the pick being his third behind Derby favourite Pierre Bonnard in the Zetland Stakes at Newmarket, and he is expected to break his duck under William Buick.
Knowledge made a winning start when narrowly beating Venetian Prince at Southwell and is the chief threat as he steps up to 10 furlongs under James Doyle. Florentine Law, a half-brother to three winners including Marquisat, appeals on debut. The King’s Point Of Law and Juddmonte’s Sintra complete the line-up.
5.45 Southwell – Well-bred King Of Thebes debuts for Godolphin
King Of Thebes looks an exciting prospect in the Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Maiden Stakes at Southwell. Charlie Appleby’s charge cost 1.5 million guineas as a yearling and has been gelded ahead of this first run; he is a half-brother to the useful Morgan Le Faye and owners will hope for a winning start.
Roger Varian’s Al Azd, rated 83 after five starts, has not always been straightforward but has finished runner-up on his past three outings and steps up a furlong with blinkers re-applied. Sailor Song appears the second string for Charlie Appleby and trainer Toby Moore — he improved from his debut to chase home High Storm at Doncaster last month, and with that rival now rated 85, Sailor Song should give a good account.