At his best, Le Rocher would be a good deal shorter than the 7/1 on offer here from Betfair and Paddy Power. His rivals are pretty much exposed. I fear As De Mee with young Carver claiming 7, but these days the horse might want farther than this 2m4f.  If Le Rocher is race fit after his 11 month absence, he’ll go very close and I’m happy to make him a one-star bet at 7/1.

Dashing Perk is 9-years-old and has missed about 1,000 days in his problem career. There’s no way of knowing what has troubled him but I think it says a lot that connections have had the faith to keep him in training this long.  Last time out – at Sandown – in just his second steeplechase he made all, jumping well (sometimes jumps too big but would have been fresh that day).  He kept very decent company as a young hurdler and if he stays sound he could yet pick up a big handicap.

He’s a two-star bet at 11/4 in the 1.20 Sandown

Hang In There looks an exciting prospect and I think he can win The Tolworth (2.25). He made all last time and galloped away from his only possible challenger as though saying, ‘Don’t even bother’. He can lead throughout here and fight off all comers on the run-in.  He’s the NAP of the day at 10/3 as a three-star bet. He’s also worth an antepost bet to win The Supreme at 33/1.

In the veteran’s chase at 3pm I’m picking King’s Odyssey. He’ a long term favourite of mine, plying his trade in decent 2m4f handicaps, almost always giving an honest run for your money without winning very often. He’s in good form this season and won last time when he ran over 3m for the first time in 4 years. It’s worth chancing that the step up in trip made the difference that day and over 3 miles again here, I’m hoping he can notch up two in a row.

He’s a 1* bet with Coral who are alone in offering 10/1

Summary of selections (all win only)

3.15 Wincanton  Le Rocher  7/1 1*

Sandown

1.20 Dashing Perk  11/4  2*

2.25 Hang In There  10/3. NAP  3*

3pm King’s Odyssey  10/1  1*

Antepost

Hang In There to win The Supreme Novices Hurdle @ 33/1 (Bet365) 1* bet

Good luck. Most tipsters are unreliable and inconsistent, including me. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose with a smile – whatever the source of the tip.

All the best
Joe