REVERENCE 3:10 Nottingham Back at 2.5 or more

Reverence showed himself a top class sprinter during 2006, winning this race on his way to bigger things and ending with a double in Group 1 contests at York and Haydock. Last season he never seemed to be 100%, although he ran well enough first time under a big penalty in a Group 3 at Sandown. Reported to be fully fit at home, and given his ideal trip and ground conditions today, I'd expect him to have too much speed for Sonny Red at level weights. Sonny Red produced his best run since his 2-y-old days on debut at Doncaster but that was over 6F and he does seem much better at that trip, having been badly outpaced when dropped to 5F at Longchamp last year. With the rest of this field needing those two to have an off day to get competitive, Reverence looks good value at 6/4 or bigger.

DIRICULOUS 8:20 Kempton Back at 2.7 or more

At first glance this is a competitive ten runner sprint handicap, but several are returning from a layoff and others look fully exposed and weighted up to their best. Diriculous is the exception as he's had only five runs in his life, winning two and both over this course and distance. Last time he ran down a strong pace to win with more in hand than the distances would indicate and a fast time confirms that was useful form. He's higher in the weights and up slightly in class but is open to far more improvement than his rivals. Misaro will lead at a good pace, as that's always his style, and that ensures a truly run race in which Diriculous should be able to get a good early position and a clear run through the race.