Hexham Placepot picks: Richard Birch has four bankers in his perm

Shaw's Cross ought to be able to win a low-grade event in the mud off his current mark of 83.

The 1m7½f handicap chase (1.00), the opening leg of Hexham's Placepot, represents a golden opportunity for him under Nick Scholfield.

Hatos, another long-distance traveller, won nicely on his debut over hurdles at Chepstow in January.

A £45,000 purchase last May, he looks to have a bright future and is clearly making the long trip from Dorset in search of soft ground. The 2m novice hurdle (1.30) looks well within his grasp.

Fonzerelli takes a huge drop in class in the mares' novice hurdle (2.05) after staying on strongly to land a Listed event at Doncaster. She cannot sensibly be opposed.

Espoir Moriviere and Cudgel, two stayers who go well at Hexham, can fight out the finish to the 3m handicap chase (2.40).

Foster'sisland, who ran well for a long way in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton, returns to calmer waters in the 2m4f handicap hurdle (3.15) and can record a fourth success of the season under Emma Smith-Chaston. Topweight Hystery Bere also merits inclusion.

Shanroe Street is preferred to Ravished in the 3m hunters' chase (3.50).

Hexham Placepot perm

1.00
4 Shaw's Cross

1.30
1 Hatos

2.05
1 Fonzerelli

2.40
9 Cudgel
11 Espoir Moriviere

3.15
1 Hystery Bere
3 Foster'sisland

3.50
1 Shanroe Street

1x1x1x2x2x1 = 4 lines

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