With early morning inspections scheduled at Sandown and Wetherby, I've taken a very quick look at the Edinburgh National Handicap Chase (Musselburgh 3.45); 12 have been declared with the ground described as soft, good to soft in places.
At Newbury back in December 2018 Le Breuil finished third behind Santini, beaten just over seven lengths, on his first try at a trip beyond two miles five furlongs.
On his subsequent ten outings Ben Pauling's charge has won just the once - the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival - but recently he stayed on noticeably well to claim third behind Notachance at Warwick on his first run following wind surgery.
The form catches the eye - on official ratings he's the best horse in the race so carries top weight - and consequently the bookmakers make him 3/1 favourite.
Market rival The Ferry Master has been in good form this season but races beyond three miles for the first time.
Last year Bob Mahler and Little Bruce were sent off 9/2 joint favourites for this; off a mark of 135 the former collared Chic Name a short head on the line to collect the spoils, with Little Bruce the best part of 20 lengths away in fourth.
The following month Bob Mahler was a highly creditable third behind Milan Native in the Fulke Walwyn at Cheltenham but this season Warren Greatrex's charge has been pulled up on three occasions, the most recent behind Dino Boy in the Scottish Borders National at Kelso in December.
Several commentators have pointed out Dino Boy looked a tad lucky that day when Duc De Grissay sprawled on landing as they jumped the final flight together; that said, he came home 15 lengths ahead of Classic Escape in second.
Dino Boy's owners, Mr & Mrs Raymond Anderson Green, like to target Nationals north of the border; they won the 2010 and 2012 renewals of the Scottish Grand National with Merigo and this race in 2018 with Full Jack.
Classic Escape's stablemate Billy Bronco finished second at Hereford last time out and in 2018 finished second in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick and then eighth in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
After being pipped at the post last year with Chic Name, trainer Richard Hobson will be hoping for better luck with Saint Xavier who races beyond three miles one and a half for the first time. With the blinkers fitted, his chance is respected.
Lucinda Russell's Mighty Thunder was disappointing last time but has won at this track previously while Fortified Bay did not jump well at Haydock the last day, beaten some 45 lengths into second by Perfect Candidate.
With just four chase starts to her name, The Delray Munky looks inexperienced; I'm put off after a poor show in a mares' chase at Wetherby, although, to be fair, the ground was desperately heavy that day - only one of the four runners completed.
Stay Humble is similarly inexperienced and has yet to win over fences.
The last day Dino Boy beat Classic Escape 15 lengths at Kelso; on revised terms Dr Richard Newland's charge is entitled to finish eight lengths closer. The disparity in current market prices doesn't really reflect this with Dino Boy 11/2 and Classic Escape 14/1 with some layers.
There was a hint at Kelso Classic Escape's petrol gauge was starting to show empty in the final couple of furlongs - I'm hoping this flat track and slightly better ground will help the cause.
Classic Escape is the each-way suggestion, currently 12/1 with Sky Bet who are paying five places.
