Matt Brocklebank provides the tips from around the tracks on Friday with the Nap running at Uttoxeter.
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook
AUTUMN RETURN - 2.45 Uttoxeter to place (3 places)
HONNEUR D'AJONC - 3.45 Fakenham to place (2 places)
WALSINGHAM - 4.45 Redcar to win
AUTUMN RETURN might not be able to live with a couple of these come the end of the season but she's already on the board after a chasing debut win at Perth late last month. The mare jumped perfectly soundly and found plenty for pressure there, winning by a narrow margin which has seen her mark raised by just 3lb to 119. She's still seemingly quite well treated based on the pick of her hurdles form (was sent off odds-on fav in a handicap when rated 120 in January) and can put her fitness and proven well-being to good use at Uttoxeter.
HONNEUR D'AJONC is another recent winner who is still realistically handicapped and he's worth sticking with in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Fakenham. Prominent throughout at Fontwell last month, he saw it out well and, seeing how he clearly gets on well with 5lb claimer Alex Chadwick, might be able to defy a 6lb rise in the ratings, especially if there's a bit of rain around.
WALSINGHAM looks to be building up to something positive and is backed to open his account in the Join Racing TV Now Novice Stakes. This is now a 10-race maiden who has perhaps flattered to deceive on a few occasions but he's not been with current trainer Mick Appleby long and build on his stable debut run here in September when a fast-finishing third in a Pontefract handicap earlier this month. The step up to this one-mile trip clearly benefitted the horse that day and his effort should be upgraded further as he did much the best of those who came from off the pace (first and second dictated throughout). He has smart maiden form from his time with Dermot Weld and should be up to the task in this very winnable affair.
UNCLE SAM looks one to be interested in ahead of his Tapeta debut. The son of Washington DC has taken some time to learn his trade and clearly isn't a star but he showed a bit more promise when fourth back over six furlongs at Thirsk last month and is just the type his yard does well with on the all-weather. A falling mark (now 54) could be capitalised on before long and this event is lacking in progressive rivals.
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