At The Races

BOOTLEGGER shaped well on his return from a break with a promising third-placed effort at Wetherby. The eight-year-old could be open to further improvement over this trip and he gets the vote to strike in this contest. Uno Mas should not be underestimated in this higher grade after an emphatic success at Ffos Las last week, while Dell' Arca, Justatenner and The Knot Is Tied also have claims in a competitive affair.

• Top Tip: BOOTLEGGER (2)
• Watch out for: UNO MAS (14)

MINELLACELEBRATION was a decisive winner when landing this prize 12 months ago and he is able to race off the same mark again today. The son of King's Theatre has won three times at this venue and he can add another course success to his career tally. Black Op brings a touch of class to this contest and is an interesting contender having his first start in a veterans' chase, while Potters Corner also warrants respect on his seasonal bow.

• Top Tip: MINELLACELEBRATION (3)
• Watch out for: BLACK OP (2)

Allmankind shaped with promise on his return over hurdles at Chepstow and he merits respect switching back to fences. However, preference is for last year's winner NUTS WELL, who looked as good as ever when scoring on his seasonal bow at Kelso and he can defend his crown in this contest off a 2lb higher mark. Itchy Feet is one to note fitted with first-time cheekpieces, while Killer Clown is also considered after wind surgery.

• Top Tip: NUTS WELL (2)
• Watch out for: ALLMANKIND (1)

GELINO BELLO made a winning debut when landing a Plumpton bumper, a race that worked out to be a decent contest, and the five-year-old built on that with a solid third in a Listed bumper at Newbury in February. The manner in which he finished off his race on that occasion suggested the son of Saint Des Saints would appreciate going up in trip and he is likely to be one of the champion trainer's better novice hurdle prospects this season. Bill Baxter was one place behind the selection at Newbury and is bred to stay well, while others to note, in what should be an informative contest, include Lounge Lizard, who placed on his sole bumper start at Haydock, Tipperary winner Douglas Talking and Doctor Ken.

• Top Tip: GELINO BELLO (4)
• Watch out for: BILL BAXTER (1)

Boreham Bill's best form comes on flatter tracks and last season's Lanzarote winner has to be respected despite being 6lb higher than for that success at Kempton in January. Riggs enjoyed a consistent year, which saw him finish runner-up to a well-handicapped rival in the EBF Final at Sandown, and is expected to bounce back from a fall on his last outing at Uttoxeter. Mackelduff and Only The Bold both command the utmost respect on their handicap debut, but they might have their work cut out to stop POUNDING POET. Tom Lacey has already kicked the season off in fine style, landing big prizes on consecutive Saturdays, and the five-year-old doesn't appear to have reached his ceiling yet, despite going up 14lb for two victories at Southwell and Warwick.

• Top Tip: POUNDING POET (7)
• Watch out for: RIGGS (5)

CORACH RAMBLER finished behind a couple of promising types on his return to action at Perth last month, over a trip short of his best, and the seven-year-old can take advantage of the match-fitness edge he has over the majority of his rivals. Morning Spirit showed progressive form over hurdles and warrants plenty of respect on his chasing debut, while the Fergal O'Brien-trained Thegallantway posted a solid effort when third on his reappearance at Worcester last time and is another to consider.

• Top Tip: CORACH RAMBLER (7)
• Watch out for: MORNING SPIRIT (5)

LADY EXCALIBUR created quite an impression when winning on her debut at Stratford in July and, despite failing to build on that when runner-up at Uttoxeter nine days ago, the daughter of Camelot still looks one to follow. Miss Chantelle shaped as though the run would do her the world of good when finishing third on her racecourse bow at Fakenham in March and can step up on her return, while the newcomers Blue Suede Shoes and Sorceress Medea both represent top connections and are potential dangers.

• Top Tip: LADY EXCALIBUR (3)
• Watch out for: MISS CHANTELLE (13)