At The Races

The Paul Nicholls-trained MR GLASS showed plenty of potential when scoring in bumpers on his last two starts, still looking as though he was learning the game on his latest outing at Haydock in March, and the five-year-old can get off to the perfect start over obstacles on his return from a wind operation. Major Sting represents Nicky Henderson and is highly respected on his first racecourse outing, while Fishkhov shaped better than the result would indicate when third at Bangor on his hurdling bow in January and is another to consider.

• Top Tip: MR GLASS (6)
• Watch out for: MAJOR STING (5)

STAGE STAR posted a high level of form in bumpers, winning impressively on his debut at this course last October before placing in good company at Ascot and Aintree on his two subsequent starts. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding is the clear pick as he makes his first start over hurdles, with Young Butler tipped to step up and follow him home, having been well fancied in a bumper at Newbury on his racecourse debut in March. Crystal Moon moves up in trip for his hurdling debut and also makes the shortlist.

• Top Tip: STAGE STAR (11)
• Watch out for: YOUNG BUTLER (13)

PENNYFORAPOUND showed progressive form over hurdles, winning comfortably from the front at Bangor when last seen in January, and the seven-year-old makes plenty of appeal now switching to fences. Starsky was only narrowly denied at Worcester on his return from a break earlier this month and rates a danger, while the Fergal O'Brien-trained Huntsmans Jog ran well when second in a first-time visor at this track last time and cannot be discounted.

• Top Tip: PENNYFORAPOUND (3)
• Watch out for: STARSKY (1)

OFF THE PLANET shaped with promise when posting an encouraging third at Warwick and he could be open to further improvement having his first attempt at this longer trip on his handicap debut. Silver In Disguise progressed well over fences when last seen and he merits respect reverting to hurdles on his seasonal bow, while Moon King and Samtara also make the shortlist.

• Top Tip: OFF THE PLANET (6)
• Watch out for: SAMTARA (2)

ESME SHELBY has been performing at a consistent level and she was last seen recording a respectable third-placed effort at Perth last month. The six-year-old mare remains on the same mark and she could have untapped potential, now tackling this shorter distance. Lady Wolf is one to note trying first-time blinkers, while Kazontherazz is another to consider on her handicap debut returning from a short break.

• Top Tip: ESME SHELBY (5)
• Watch out for: LADY WOLF (13)

GETAROUND demonstrated plenty of promise over hurdles last season and he can make a winning start on his chase debut, having his first start for Dan Skelton. Jeremy Pass is bred to be a chaser and could be open to further improvement in this sphere, while Blame The Game, Champagne Rhythm and Pats Fancy all warrant respect in an open affair.

• Top Tip: GETAROUND (1)
• Watch out for: JEREMY PASS (3)

Jewari Of Saints looks interesting on her first start after a wind operation and was an impressive winner at Dieppe on her final start when trained in France. She did disappoint on her UK debut at Worcester but may do better now. MEGAUDAIS SPEED was very impressive when winning here in April and an added 7lb might not stop him doubling up if he is spot on after six months off, while The Cincinnati Kid steps up in trip for his handicap debut and could be the surprise package.

• Top Tip: MEGAUDAIS SPEED (1)
• Watch out for: JEWARI OF SAINTS (4)

Trainer Paul Nicholls has won two of the last three renewals of this race which suggests Henri The Second has a chance, though the unraced son of Saddler Maker is an unknown quantity for now. LETTHETRUTHBEKNOWN changed hands for 40,000 pounds after winning her bumper by eight lengths at Cork and she may well prove the one they all have to beat here. Hillfinch also makes it on to the shortlist.

• Top Tip: LETTHETRUTHBEKNOWN (2)
• Watch out for: HENRI THE SECOND (5)