JiggsCasey

Aneirin's Sword didn't run at 2 and was gelded before running at all. Did little in the first three runs and SPs reflected the lack of expectation. Did far better stepping up to a mile here (CD) and won well on handicap debut. Could have followed up at Kempton but was delivered too late; still came a good second. Sets the standard.

Two teams that looked like top-third candidates for a while but have fallen by the wayside and are now fighting for mid-table. Brighton have scored in their last six league games and are unbeaten in their three most recent home games. Palace also score in most games and have scored in their last three games (one goal per game). They have three losses and a draw in their last four away games. Those statistics suggest a game in which both are likely to score, but Brighton are likely to get the better of it.

Harlington is the form horse and has the best win/place form. Has won between 10 and 14 at A/W tracks but looks best at this 10f distance, as seen last time when winning with ease at Lingfield. Six pounds higher but no more to beat.

12 runs on turf and 3 on AW tracks for Forever Noah and still no win. Showed improvement last time off a mark of 51 (had fallen gradually from 62) to lose by a head at this CD by one rated 57. Going off 52 here and should have the measure of these.

Gringo d'Aubrelle fell early in a chase last time, and despite the yard and its current form, is hard to back confidently as it's now zero from five chases. Banter At The Bar, on the other hand, followed three zeros in hurdles with an impressive round of jumping to outstay a good-sized field on chase debut. Sent clear then, and this extra 2 furlongs should suit. Same jockey aboard.

Bayern continue to dominate German football and have scored in every game. They've had a hiccup recently and drawn one and lost one of their last two. Hoffenheim have been the surprise package of the division and have won their last five games. They play good, organised football and have a good team ethic all over the park. They're likely to get stuck in to Bayern while they're shaking. Both should score and goals likely.

Liverpool and Man City have both drawn 4 of their last 6 games in the league. This is a far cry from recent seasons in February. Liverpool have home advantage but seem to be reserving their best for Europe now that the league's slipped away. City at least have a runner-up place to fight for but likely no better. Salah continues to disappoint for the Reds, and City's scoring golden boy Haaland seems to be going through an odd spell. It's likely to have goals, as bragging rights are important in this fixture. A loss for City could be a headache as they're getting further behind Arsenal. A win for Liverpool is important as they really need to aim higher now for European places. Liverpool could edge it.

Tuba has failed to win on turf on the flat or over hurdles, but has finished in the first three three times from five AW runs, winning once. Might have doubled the total last time at Southwell but for hitting trouble late and finishing well. Looks like stepping back from 2 miles to this 14f distance in a small field can work out here.