Careysville looks good

Careysville could prove the blot on the handicap in today's Coral Handicap Chase at Taunton. He looked set for a successful campaign last season after winning two small events at Fontwell and Ludlow but rather lost his way after that and failed to get his head in front again.

Trainer Venetia Williams gave the bay an eight-month break and the rest seemed to him the power of good as he turned a three-runner handicap chase at Folkestone last week into a procession.

The value of that form is questionable but the manner of his victory suggested that the eight-year-old was back to his best.

Suited by a test of stamina and hailing from an all-conquering stable, Careysville can capture this contest on his way to better things.

Santabless will benefit from a drop in class in the EBF Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier). He beat the useful Hoh Invader on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham and followed up on soft ground at Plumpton.

Mark Pitman's charge was then upped to Grade One company in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury and failed to land a blow, finishing last of five to King's Road. Father Krismas can give punters an early present in the Marshbrook Maiden Hurdle that opens the card at Ludlow. A 33,000 gns purchase from Paul Cole's stable, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding looked certain to pay his way this season after making a promising debut over timber at Warwick.

He ran a little free in the early stages but still finished a close third to the decent pair Flush and New Bird. Tilty captured the Welshpool Handicap Hurdle at Ludlow last season and can repeat the trick despite the burden of top weight. Andrew Streeter's nine-year-old is a thorough stayer, as he showed when galloping his rivals into the ground at Catterick last time.

Love Academy looks the one to be on in the Lingfield Park Golf Club Handicap on the all-weather. Mark Johnston's charge found only Silca Blanka too good in a competitive event at the Surrey track last Saturday and this looks an easier contest.