Knockalongi made a highly promising start when runner-up on his hurdles debut and looks a banker bet at 5/4 to go one better in the 3.20 at Southwell.
The five-year-old won a bumper for Rebecca Curtis in January, and although none too fluent on his first start for Oliver Sherwood at Worcester he travelled strongly and stayed on well to be beaten just 2 3/4 lengths by So Fine.
The pair pulled 20 lengths clear of the third and the form looks solid in the context of this contest.
The gelding receives a stone from the hat-trick seeking Mush Mir, and that should be enough for him to get the better of Nicky Hnderson’s charge this afternoon.
His handler is also in terrific form having saddled four winners from six runners in the last eight days and it will be disappointing if he does not win given the lumps of weight he receives from his main rival.
At 5/4 with Paddy Power he looks too big, and I would not be surprised to see him going off a shade of odds-on come flagfall.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 5pts win Knockalongi (5/4 Paddy Power – BOG)