Jay Jay Reilly narrowly failed to make all when last seen but compensation awaits in the Bet At racingtv.com Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Kempton.
Having his second outing over fences at Huntingdon, Harry Skelton was positive from the off aboard the seven-year-old, building up a healthy lead before being reeled in by the useful Raffle Ticket on the run to the final two obstacles.
Jay Jay Reilly did not give up easily though, battling back after the last to make Raffle Ticket pull out all the stops, eventually being beaten a neck at the line.
The handicapper has inched him up 2lb for that effort, but Dan Skelton could have found a perfect opportunity here with good ground in his favour.
Iorens can make it a double for the Skelton yard in the opening Join Racing TV Now Conditional Jockeys' Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
She has finished second in two hurdles spins so far, beaten less than four lengths at the first attempt then finding one rival three-quarters of a length too good on her most recent run.
Iorens was probably a bit disappointing on the second occasion, finding no extra when headed again on the run to the line.
The Coastal Path mare has subsequently undergone wind surgery and that could help her cause.
Major Dundee is another who should enjoy a sound surface in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Chase.
The eight-year-old did not show his best on his only start so far this season, trailing home a 24-length 10th behind Our Power at Ascot at the end of October.
He was been off the track since, so perhaps something was amiss, and his final run of last term would certainly put him right in the frame here.
Alan King's charge rounded off last season with a fine third behind Win My Wings in the Scottish National, a creditable effort against a well-treated winner on what was only his fourth chase start.
Major Dundee had previously won at Fakenham and Bangor and placed in a trappy Newbury heat on his only other run, so he can be forgiven one bad effort, with a 2lb drop in the weights a positive.
The Questioner can bring up his hat-trick in the RPM North Wales National Handicap Chase at Bangor.
A hurdles winner at Ascot in November, he made a successful switch to fences at Doncaster last month, showing plenty of determination to edge out Lyrical Genius by a short head after a prolonged battle.
A 6lb rise will make life tougher, but The Questioner should have plenty still to give in this sphere.
Super Den makes his first trip to Chelmsford for the Racing Welfare Handicap on the back of a Lingfield verdict last month.
He finished with real purpose to prevail by a head and to extend a purple patch that has seen him in the frame in his last four starts.
A 3lb rise puts him on his highest mark since the end of 2021, but it does not look insurmountable.
Tondeuse can make it second time lucky in the talkSPORT Powered By Fans Restricted Maiden Stakes at Southwell.
Third on her racecourse bow at Wolverhampton in August, she looked sure to improve for the experience.
SELECTIONS
BANGOR: 1.20 Dieu Vivant, 1.50 Miah Grace, 2.20 The Questioner, 2.50 Rewired, 3.25 Kankin, 4.00 Ramo, 4.35 Esme Shelby.
CHELMSFORD: 5.15 Classy Dame, 5.45 James Bradley, 6.15 Engrave, 6.45 Erosion Risk, 7.15 Goose Rock, 7.45 Super Den, 8.15 Channel Packet.
DUNDALK: 3.55 Firstman, 4.25 San Andreas, 5.00 Tai Sing Yeh, 5.30 Dr Patrick, 6.00 Teutates, 6.30 Stardayz, 7.00 Indiana Grey, 7.30 Higher Kingdom.
KEMPTON: 1.30 Iorens, 2.00 Smoking Pigeon, 2.30 Game Winner, 3.00 Major Dundee, 3.35 Sami Bear, 4.10 JAY JAY REILLY (NAP), 4.45 Classic King.
SOUTHWELL: 1.40 Phoenix Star, 2.10 Stroxx, 2.40 Ghostly, 3.15 Tondeuse, 3.40 Three Dons, 4.20 Port Noir, 4.55 Bobby Joe Leg, 5.25 Em Jay Kay.
DOUBLE: Jay Jay Reilly and Major Dundee.
