Richard Birch focuses on soft-ground performers for his Wincanton Placepot

Credit: Edward Whitaker

Soft-ground performers should form the focus of any Wincanton Placepot perm, andGeorge Of Hearts and John Betjemen, my suggestions for leg one (12.05), are proven when the mud is flying.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Brewers Project won his point-to-point in Ireland on a heavy surface and is hard to oppose in leg two (12.35) despite an underwhelming reappearance effort at Chepstow.

Coconut Splash is the sort to develop into a useful chaser this term and the step up to 2m4f will play hugely to his strengths in leg three (1.05).

Top Man, who impressed with a ten-length Fontwell victory on his first run over fences in October, is the other to include.

There have been signs over the last fortnight that Jeremy Scott's team could be about to hit top form after a sluggish start to the campaign and Sizable Sam, a beaten favourite on his reappearance at this track last month, can confirm that impression in leg four (1.35).

Balladame and Sawpit Sienna, who is likely to improve further for the switch to a soft surface, are the recommendations in leg five (2.05), while Vocaliser will definitely relish underfoot conditions in the concluding leg (2.35).

Balgemmois, who is having his first start for Fergal O'Brien, completes the perm.