Aso can show he’s no back number now down in class

Desert Lime 11.50 Lingfield, 7f handicap,

Desert Lime’s winning margin of a neck at Lingfield last time was deceiving as she scored a shade cosily over an inadequate trip on only her second start for George Boughey. The step up back up to 7f should bring about improvement and an opening mark of 60 seems generous.

She’s only had three career starts, making her debut for Dermot Weld at Dundalk when fifth in a race that has worked out superbly with two horses subsequently winning Listed races.

You can ignore Covert Mission’s previous run as he was beaten by the draw and expended too much energy having to come across to the rail. Before that he finished second on consecutive starts and on his best form he’ll go close.

Best alternative: Covert Mission

Dedanser 1.15 Haydock, 3m maiden hurdle

The form of the Donald McCain yard has been fantastic in recent weeks and jockey Brian Hughes has raced past the three-figure mark for the season. They are a forceful combination and Dedanser has a good chance of boosting their tally.

Dedanser ran with some promise on seasonal debut and shaped as if the step up to three miles will bring about improvement and he’s entitled to improve for the run. The form was boosted subsequently with the second winning on his next start. The presence of Nicky Henderson’s Another Brown Bear should ensure a decent price.

Lucinda Russell has had several winners in the last few days and she is represented by Readysteadybeau, who also looked as if he will improve for the step up to three miles when fourth last time out. Best alternative: Readysteadybeau

Winklevi

1.25 Lingfield, 2m handicap David Evans’ gelding steps up to two miles, and on the evidence of his close third over 1m6f at Wolverhampton last time the trip should be to his liking.

He was staying on well at Wolverhampton and had to switch to the outside of the winner Moliwood, who came across him slightly. The 1lb rise he received for that effort should be offset by his potential to improve for the trip. He’s a consistent sort who hasn’t been out of the places in his last seven starts.

The likely favourite Rafiot is opposable on the grounds that his record off marks in the 80s is poor and he should struggle off 82.

Author’s Dream won nicely over this trip at Kempton last time out and should go well. He is three from six here and those wins were consecutive ones over course and distance. Best alternative: Author’s Dream

Aso 2.50 Haydock, 3m handicap chase

Aso’s best form is substantially better than most of his rivals. At his peak he was beaten a length and a half by Frodon in the 2019 Ryanair Chase, and his seconds at Warwick and Kelso last season is good enough form here if reproducing it.

He was taken out of his comfort zone in the Paddy Power on his return, which is to be expected at this stage of his career.

Despite this, he ran better than his finishing position suggests and was only beaten 17 lengths behind Midnight Shadow.

The 6lb drop he received for that run is somewhat generous and means he sneaks into this veterans’ race.

Lake View Lad has a good record when fresh and has won four out of his seven starts in December.

He finds himself 12lb below the career-high mark of 162 he achieved for winning the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase last season.

Best alternative:

Lake View Lad