SATURDAY – TAUNTON

1.05pm

Maasai Warrior

He doesn’t appear to have shown a lot in recent starts but at least his falling handicap mark reflects that. And the stable did have a winner last weekend with a similarly out-of-form horse.

2.15pm

Shang Tang

He shaped with a lot of promise when second on his hurdles debut at Chepstow and he travelled nicely for a long way at Cheltenham last time. This looks to be an easier assignment and I can see him going very well. Hopefully, the step-up in trip will suit, too.

3.25pm

Sleep Easy

He won around here in November and he shaped much better on his second start for the stable when runner-up at Fakenham last time. He has gone up 2lb for that and may ideally want better ground, but he certainly has his chance in an open race.

SUNDAY – AYR

1.15pm

Escaria Ten

He is a horse we were delighted to pick up at the sales last month, as he had shown a lot of ability in his three starts, in different areas of the game, for his previous owners. And the form of his hurdling debut third at Fairyhouse in November could hardly have worked out any better. So we went to Cork very hopeful and he duly delivered, showing a really good attitude to get back up close home after meeting the last wrong. I think he would have won well but for that slight mistake. He is a chaser-in-waiting but I was impressed by him last time, and I would like to think he can follow up here, even under a 6lb penalty in a decent little race. He’s a very nice prospect.

2.25pm

Another Emotion

He ran no kind of race at Chepstow last time, so he has to bounce back here. But the handicapper has eased him 2lb for it and a reproduction of his earlier second at Sedgefield would see him be competitive. Trip and ground are no concerns.