Thursday's free racing tips: a penny for our experts' thoughts on their fancies

Handicappers' nap

Methag (1.10 Wincanton)

Penalised for last week's Huntingdon success, but won with a bit in hand and the level of her Flat form suggests there should be more to come.
Steve Mason

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Newmarket nap

Deja (1.55 Newcastle)

Was fancied to win the November Handicap before it was cancelled, and the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained improver is expected to land this alternative after some smart work on the Al Bahathri of late.
David Milnes

Eyecatcher

Inhalation (4.25 Chelmsford)

Snatched third in the final stride under a considerate ride on his debut and could be useful. A half-brother to six individual winners, he can improve enough to win on his second start.
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Irish Angle

My Midnight (2.00 Thurles)

Placed on her last four starts, the Andy Slattery-trained mare can get off the mark. under Sean Flanagan, with the step up in trip expected to suit.
Tony O'Hehir

Ace Tipster

Esprit De Somoza (3.20 Wincanton)
Has some decent hurdles form behind him and made a fine debut over fences/for this yard last time. Can build on that now.
Keith Melrose

Speed Figures

Paths Of Glory (1.55 Newcastle)

Has won four of his last five starts, broke the track record at Wolverhampton last month and can retain his unblemished record on the all-weather.
Dave Edwards

Spotlight nap

Harry's Bar (4.05 Newcastle)

Has proved progressive on AW this year, winning three handicaps over 5f; latest second at Chelmsford (6f) another step forward; goes off the same mark and another very prominent showing looks assured.
Ben Hutton

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Dark horse

Sparkleandshine (3.20 Wincanton)

Well-supported favourite on his chase debut two starts ago when falling at the first fence. He has dropped 4lb since and looks the type to improve over fences.
Ben Harris

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Must-have stat of the day

Gavin Sheehan is 14-39 (36 per cent strike-rate) on Harry Whittington-trained chasers in the last five seasons, for a £1 level-stakes profit of £29.90. He takes the mount on Sparkleandshine in the novice handicap at Wincanton (3.20).

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