3:48 Stratford Tips

The gamble to odds on did not come off on Victory Club last time on his return to Dan Skelton from Harriet Dickin. But this former point and bumper winner continues to fall down the weights after being given too high an initial handicap mark of 102 after finishing 2nd behind easy winner Don't Tell Sue at Wincanton. He has now dropped back to 84 and is looking to be competitively handicapped.

He bounced back impressively last time, and it looked uncertain for a while, but he finished 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Bangor 16 days ago. The longer distance is likely to benefit him, and he should remain a competitive force.

He posted his best effort to date when finishing third on his stable bow over an extended 2m here last month. The five-year-old was given a lot to do, and he's entitled to build on that first appearance for 80 days. This step up in trip is interesting, more so with a first-time visor applied. I remember him being backed in a stronger race at the start of this month, but they pulled him out. Hopefully, that decision will prove fruitful as most of these have something to prove at present.

Yet to win from 21 starts but was in contention when falling at the last at Market Rasen in March and did finish 3rd on penultimate outing. Holds an each-way chance.