Newton Abbot 5.05 10 Petrify @ 20/1 + 14 Scorpion Star @ 11/1 - 1 point each way both + Forecast saver in write up.

A Class 5 Handicap Hurdles, odds to 4th place generally. I was going to confidently tip INNISCASTLE LAD but that was pulled at around 7.15am (be interesting to see where that next runs as very well handicapped). Lord Fendale is an obvious and worthy favourite but you have to take a bit of fitness on trust so I will oppose and I'm not convinced about the value of MASHED POTATO - I will cover my tips though with a crafty quid reverse forecast on that pair. Act of Supremacy was the other who caught my eye from an in form yard, trip could be ideal, but after a 2 year absence, 2 runs back have not been wholly convincing, but would not be huge surprise if it ran a lot better here.

I will side with proven winning form from PETRIFY, knowing how to win and taking the chance when offered is important in this grade. The horse has gone up from marks of 74 to 77 in winning twice in the not too distant past, gets in here off 83, less a 3lbs Claim, and with proven Course and Distance form, no lack of stamina; looks one likely to take a hand at big odds with the enhanced place odds. SCORPION STAR is a very frustrating horse, travels very well in races and then finds VERY little, when asked. In this company though it may not need to find much, and one day they will get it to the last on the bridle, as it threatens to do, and it'll have passed the winning post before it realises, it has to go through the "pain barrier", worth another chance here.