3.55pm Uttoxeter Tips & Betting Preview 19/10/2017

3.55pm Uttoxeter tips for Thursday’s Class 3 race. A field of 12 go to post for this Novices’ Handicap, with several big yards represented. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: Rock On Oscar is highly interesting for Paul Nicholls, making a promising chase debut back in May 2016 and splitting two useful horses in the process. The 530 day break is the main concern, though, and preference is for the lightly raced ANOTHER VENTURE who ran some great races in just four runs over timber for Kim Bailey. He is sure to make a much better chaser for top connections and shouldn’t be for beating here.

1 ROCK ON OSCAR – Didn’t hang around over hurdles for Paul Nicholls and made a pleasing start over fences, splitting two horses who are now rated in the high 140s. His current mark is more than fair on the basis of his hurdling form and he has leading claims, but the 530 day break is disconcerting.

2 GET ON THE YAGER – Two from two in points before joining the Skeltons, proving himself to be a very useful hurdler in six runs. He should improve markedly now for tackling fences and he’s a leading player.

3 SIR IVAN – Has fallen in two of his six chasing starts, getting away with some mistakes when winning at Ffos Las in May. He beat Cole Harden that day and can only improve off a mark that wasn’t out of reach over timber. Each way player for Harry Fry who is in brilliant form.

4 ROBIN OF LOCKSLEY – Stayed over timber for two years, winning three starts ago at Warwick, although he was well held at the same venue in April off today’s mark. Needs to improve for fences to threaten here and others do look more likely on balance.

5 MUSTMEETALADY – Won two starts ago over fences, winning a 3m 4f Handicap at Haydock in good style. He was well beaten off this mark on his latest start though and this trip isn’t likely to suit him. Others are readily preferred.

6 ANOTHER VENTURE – Only ran four times over timber, winning at Sandown in February before not disgracing himself in a very tough Grade 3 Handicap. He should be far better suited to chasing and, with connections going well, he looks a tough nut to crack.

7 BENNYS KING – Lightly raced for his age, yet his record of one win from eight over timber doesn’t inspire confidence. He was well held at Kelso on his latest start and, although he can go well fresh, he may just succumb to better horses.

8 COURT KING – Consistent sort who is two from three over fences, winning at Stratford in June despite idling and jumping left on occasion. He’s 5lbs higher here, but he’s fit from a hurdling run and won’t be far away for the Bowens.

9 WILL O’THE WEST – Became frustrating to follow over timber last season, well held at Warwick in May on his final hurdling run. He has the scope to make a better chaser and he’s capable off this mark, so he does hold each way claims.

10 SHARP RESPONSE – Ran some fair races in the pointing sphere and was a two time winner over hurdles last season, although his sixth at Market Rasen suggested his mark was getting too much. Hard to rule out on chasing debut, but others are far more interesting.

11 SHANTY TOWN – Eight-year-old who has only run seven times under rules, not showing any progressive qualities in four runs earlier this year. It’s entirely possible he’ll make a better chaser, but he doesn’t look good enough to win this.

12 MAJOR HINDRANCE – Got his head in front at the sixth attempt when winning a Handicap at Hereford, however the form doesn’t look like anything to shout about. He’s now pitched into a very tough race on chasing debut and shouldn’t be good enough.