'I’d be hopeful he can defy his new mark' – Some Chaos fancied for Silver Buck

Some Chaos bids to complete a hat-trick in arguably the most interesting race of the day, the 3m1f handicap chase (1.30) at Wincanton, which is named after dual King George winner Silver Buck and carries a prize fund of £26,400.

The highly progressive Some Chaos has impressed with his flamboyant jumping in comfortable victories at Bangor and Market Rasen this season.

As a result, the seven-year-old races off a mark 20lb higher than when landing the first of those races, but appeared to have plenty in the tank at the finish last time and trainer Michael Scudamore is hopeful there is more to come.

"Some Chaos has improved since switched to fences," Scudamore said. "He’s enjoyed a nice freshen-up since Market Rasen and goes to Wincanton in good form.

"The ground and trip should suit him, and I’d be hopeful he can defy his new mark of 122 – he’s an improving type.

"His jumping has been one of his biggest assets so far and hopefully that can continue. Wincanton always provides a good test in that department."

Royal Palladium, potentially one of the greatest threats to Some Chaos, got no further than the first fence on his seasonal reappearance at Exeter last month.

The Venetia Williams-trained chaser is usually best caught fresh and ran a blinder over the course and distance three years ago when second to Drop Out Joe in the valuable Badger Ales Trophy.

Our Merlin magic in December

Our Merlin was in tremendous form last December, rattling off a quickfire treble at Plumpton, Fontwell and Taunton.

He was denied the four-timer in much stronger company at Sandown the following month, but he faced a stiff task as the winner, Call Me Lord, has since gone up 17lb to a rating of 160.

Our Merlin gave signs that a victory could be imminent when third to French Crusader at Newbury last time, and the handicapper has dropped him 3lb for that defeat.

Walford believes more to come from upwardly mobile hat-trick hero Our Merlin

Any further softening of the ground would play to his strengths in Wincanton’s 1m7½f handicap hurdle (2.05).

Trainer Robert Walford, who is looking forward to running stable star Mr Medic in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday week, said: "Our Merlin is in good form and we’re hoping for a lot of rain."

He added: "Mr Medic is in great form for Cheltenham. It will be his biggest test so far, but we’re hoping for a good show. He jumps and travels so well, and hopefully the track will suit him."

O’Brien sends first runner to Leicester

Joseph O’Brien will have his first runner at Leicester when Camile faces the starter for the 1m7½f mares' handicap hurdle (3.20).

O’Brien, whose runners over jumps in Britain have been confined to Cheltenham, Aintree and Doncaster, won two Flat races over a mile with the five-year-old in the spring.

Joseph O'Brien sends a runner to Leicester on ThursdayCredit: Caroline Norris

Camile, who competes off a mark of 85, seems sure to have plenty of supporters. Tom O’Brien takes the mount.

Big class drop for Regulation

Regulation, a one-time leading contender for the Listed Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen, drops into plating company in the 2m4½f selling hurdle (1.10) at Leicester.

Best on fast ground, he should enjoy a significant class edge over his six rivals, which include the Gordon Elliott-trained Rightdownthemiddle.

Scarpeta makes reappearance at Clonmel

Scarpeta, who finished fourth to Samcro in the Grade 1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, makes his seasonal reappearance in the 3m hurdle (1.15) at Clonmel.

The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old faces six rivals and will be partnered by Paul Townend.

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