1:48 Huntingdon Tips

Greyval is a reliable mare with 4 hurdle wins and a perfect course record, having scored here on her only previous visit. She's proven on soft ground and in this class, and shaped well last time when 5th in a competitive Chepstow handicap. Making her chase debut today, she's tactically versatile and arrives fit, and if translating her hurdle form to fences, she's a serious contender.

This small field event looks ideal for Pick Roc to finally get a deserved win over fences. His second place finishes in this discipline at Exeter and Newbury last season read well, and he went into the Cheltenham Festival with an each-way chance, but things didn’t go to plan in the Jack Richards. He unseated his rider on his seasonal reappearance when fancied to go very close in a better race (stumbled on landing after jumping well to that point) and now makes a quick return after only 11 days at this right-handed venue, which should suit. Usually a front-runner who likes to dominate from the front, he appears well placed at the weights on official terms. With Ben Pauling’s yard in excellent early-season form, I expect this promising but slightly unlucky seven-year-old to finally get his head in front.

Course, distance, going, and class winner. This gelding has consistently improved over his career, starting in class fives and now tries his hand in 2s and 3s. He's 9 lbs lighter than LTO, but he didn't get his own way that day. I think if the jockey can get him settled, he will be competitive.

Iris Emery has a place rate of 31%. She has shown me ability over similar ground, placing on a few occasions, and has also placed when wearing the tongue strap today. Pulled up over 3m5f at Downpatrick last time, she basically didn’t handle the track there. But when back on suitable ground here and at a better trip for her, she can be competitive. Likely to settle mid-division and may pick off runners late if the pace is strong today.