2:20 Plumpton Tips

24 days ago, we saw the Tom Symonds 5-year-old return from a 244-day break in a competitive Cheltenham affair. He stayed on very well after the last to finish 3rd of 12. That was over 16.5f, and the step up in trip today looks ideal as he did win over today's trip at Huntingdon last season and is only 3lb higher today, taking into account a 5lb claim.

Running well recently with a 2nd at Goodwood and a more recent win at Wolverhampton by a head on the all-weather. Has run as favourite last four races on the bounce and should be close again.

Comes into this with a bit to prove at present following 2 below-par runs the last twice. Stepping up in grade this time. The handicapper has dropped him 2 lbs, which is helpful. But he goes up 2 grades for this race. Admittedly, he's never won in this grade. He's only had 2 runs in races of this nature, however. It's far too early to say he cannot compete in this grade. This is a track his trainer excels at. It's also a track this lad boasts decent form at in his 2 runs here to date. He bumped into a decent novice in Emailandy over CD on his first run here. Beaten 9L by the winner, admittedly. He's a 133-rated horse, however, so no disgrace there at all. His most recent run here was over the minimum trip. He bolted up, beating Junkanoo just over 2L. He was giving the runner-up 6 lbs in weight too. He made all the running, made a mistake at the last hurdle, and still won cosily. This visor goes on today, replacing the cheekpieces. I'd fancy him to run his race and be thereabouts at the finish if jumping fluently enough.

If you follow me on social media, you will have seen GOLD FOR ALEC being advised already (sadly no Paddy Power prices on here), but I can't tip him up at the current price of 4/1, for all that he holds leading claims. However, YELLOW STAR does have some solid handicap-hurdle form in the book and looks to have a decent each-way shout. The stable is in fine form at present, and the 5lb claimer is 5 from 21 (24%) for the yard this season.