Racing tips: The front running Al Roc looks set not to see another rival

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Though not winning at great odds, Scriptwriter won with a bit in hand at Sedgefield at 11/10 for Paddy Brennan and Milton Harris. His jumping wasn't good by any means but his class and ability from the flat definitely pulled through. He'll be a fun horse for connections, especially if brushing up on his jumping, which he'll need to do if he wants to defy a penalty.

Hajey was disappointing as the second selection, as the winner won very easily and Hajey didn't really offer much of a problem for the winner. I'm not sure what to think about the performance, other than maybe it was an off day or he didn't handle the step up in grade.

Plumpton 2:45

I'm a big fan of Chris Gordon, so when his horses are flying I think you have to give massive respect to each of their runners. WHO IS THAT looks the most likely winner of this race in my opinion based on his win last time around.

He won from a 200-day break after falling on his previous two races, so that shows a lot of heart from this horse. He clearly had his demons over fences, so for him to win on seasonal reappearance on just his third ever start over fences was a good accomplishment and the handicapper hasn't gone to town on him with just a 2lb higher mark for today, which makes him of interest again.

Hopefully, he would've come on for that run, as getting fit first time out off a 200-day break is a tough ask, so I'd be fairly certain that he will be fitter for that run. He is a horse who seems to stay this trip out well, so you might see him off the bridle earlier than a few of these, but you best believe he'll be staying on strongly. I think it won't be much longer till he's sent over further, but they clearly feel he can win races like this today at this trip and off this mark.

Chris Gordon is 5/8 with is runners in the last fourteen days, so is clearly placing his horses well and having them in tip-top condition.

Plumpton 3:55

With two non-runners in this race, it could get very tactical with just four runners taking their chance. For me, AL ROC isn't the most well-handicapped horse in the race but he should get an easy lead and that could be enough to get some of these out of their comfort zones and if he gets into a nice rhythm he could be tough to stop.

Considering the last couple of races have been over trips which are probably too far, he has run some decent enough races. He has run from the front, like normal and has been picked out with a few fences to go, so today's trip of 2m 3.5f could be what is needed.

Due to his speedy and aggressive running style, I think Plumpton could suit him as it is a sharp track which suits front runners and horses who like to dictate the pace in a race which doesn't seem too strong.

Fairway Freddy is arguably the one to beat based on his win at Stratford last time out. However, he won at odds of 40/1 so clearly, connections weren't expecting that kind of performance, so chances are it could've been a fluke. I've seen it a lot where horses win at big odds and then don't back it up the time after, and I'm hoping that's the case for this one. Pasvolsky has to be respected for the in-form Chris Gordon yard but might need the run and the same applies for I See You Well who normally needs his first run of the season to get to peak fitness.

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