3.05 York: Handicap, Class 2, 1m

As competitive and wide open as it gets, but I like the big price for Melvin The Grate. Surely still an improving individual, he has to show further improvement to feature, but may well do second time out after a break. He ran well at Sandown last month, travelling well throughout.

But this here today will suit better. He needs a fast pace, which is guaranteed, and he won’t mind any soft in the going description. His mark off 95 and light weight gives him a good chance to feature.

Melvin The Grate @ 25/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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8.00 Lingfield: Class 6 Handicap, 1m 2f

Freshly gelded Steevo could be overpriced here. He’s seems a pretty tricky customer, who won a 7f Handicap on the All-Weather last year, a form which works out well. He came back this season with a decent 3rd at Bath over 1m but seemed awkward and one-paced. The next time over 9f at Lingfield he was pulling all the way throughout the race, running his race before it really started.

That could happen here over 10f again. But he may have learned from this last outing and settle better. He can get the trip as there is plenty of stamina on the dam side. The gelding op should help him to be more relaxed now and if that is the case he can go close here off a low enough mark with a goof 5lb claimer in the saddle.

Steevo @ 16/1 Betfred – 5pts Win