Saturday 8th May:

#NB – CHOCOYA (2.55 Nottingham) – This filly has two wins to her name in her first nine starts, both coming on the all-weather in novice events over this 6f trip. She’s twice finished second this spring on that same surface, the latest was her best effort yet when beaten only a neck behind the 106-rated Happy Romance when receiving only 2lbs and on her penultimate start she was beaten four-lengths in a Group 3 over a furlong further with Sacred and Saffron Beach ahead of her (7th & 2nd in the 1000 Guineas next time out). That’s strong looking form and this drop into listed event over 6f looks a good move, she needs to prove she handles turf but maybe a slower surface could help having finished third on heavy at the end of October. (9/2) – William Hill – 1pt – Lost (-1)

#NAP – SENIOR CITIZEN (4.55 Haydock) – Was a fair third behind a runaway winner in last month’s Topham Chase over the national fences and the assessor has eased him 2lb since then, which puts him a pound above the mark in which he was a close fourth on penultimate start in the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury over half-a-furlong shorter. His last win came in a novice chase at Newton Abbot back in September and though 10lb higher than for his highest winning mark I feel he’s still capable of landing a race of this nature with conditions likely to suit. With a clear round I’d be shocked if he’s not going very close. (11/4) – William Hill – 1pt – Lost (-1)

#IWAC – THE RAVENS RETURN (6.20 Warwick) – Has been switching distances throughout his career so far and connections decide to go for a middle trip here, which is half-a-furlong shorter than what he’s won over before and also been a good second off this mark of 112. This mark is also a pound lower than his highest winning perch which was achieved last October on heavy ground over 2m1f. He’s not ran badly the last twice when finishing third and fourth off 3lb higher and the form of the most recent has been boosted twice since with the runner-up winning as well as one who was pulled-up. This lower mark will certainly help his cause as well as a slower surface, I think he’s got an each-way chance in a tight handicap. (10/1) – Sky Bet – 0.5pt ew (4 places) – Lost (-1)

Stake: 3pts

May P/L: +7.83pts

Overall P/L (Sept ’17-present): +595.61pts