Lusaka De Pembo is worth an interest in the 2.00pm Towcester as I feel he has been running over the wrong trip, on ground that doesn’t suit him and at courses that don’t maximise his natural talents. Nigel Twiston Davies has enjoyed plenty of success at this track over the years, and since he took over training this former French based gelding he has been running him over further. But I think this testing 2 miles will suit this horse down to the ground, especially if he can get an uncontested lead as front runners tend to do relatively well at the Northamptonshire track.

Paddy’s Tern stayed on well behind I’m Spartacus in November and has run some sound races at this venue before so he must be on the shortlist for what on paper looks a poor handicap hurdle at 2.30pm. I can see a lot of deadwood among the ten strong field, including several who in my opinion wouldn’t be out of place in selling races. Paddy’s Tern was still prominent when tipping over last time and he should be backed to win here and provide trainer Norman Babbage with a welcome winner - it’s been 364 days and 31 runs since he last enjoyed success over the jumps.

I’m not alone when I say I like to have Tony McCoy on my side and Ring Back must have decent chances of landing the maiden hurdle at 3.30pm. I firmly believe that you should always look for course form when thinking of backing a horse to win at Towcester as it is so different to any other course, and Ring Back ran creditably here to finish second on her hurdling debut back in November. It’s a significant jockey booking and I’ll be looking to back Ring Back to get off the mark here.