BATH raider Velvet Waters (2.45) might not be the classiest filly in the world, but what the three-year-old lacks in ability, she more than makes up for in the guts department.

As a regular backer it is always comforting to be armed with such encouraging information and that being the case a small each-way investment on Velvet Waters should hopefully not be in vain at the west-country venue.

The Fulke Johnston-Houghton-trained filly lines up in the mile-and-a-quarter Saltwell Signs Handicap, a middle-distance contest for which the selection also holds a significant advantage since she's the only previous course and distance scorer in the 12-runner field.

Another solid performer, not given to tossing away his chance away willy-nilly is Stevedore (3.15), who was claimed for 10,000 guineas out of the John Harris' stable after collecting at Leicester last time out.

Following a relatively disappointing season to date, Stevedore's new trainer Rod Millman could do with some better standard ammo and the latest addition to his yard proved he was prepared to get down and graft when taking the money 13 days ago.

The dash for the cash in the closing five-furlong Hospitality Fillies' Handicap is a tightly knit affair in which at least a half-dozen of the contenders can be assembled to compile a realistic short-list.

Using sheer consistency as the benchmark for success, none presents a more consistent profile than Boavista (4.45), a thoroughly genuine individual with a penchant for making the frame virtually every time she turns out .

Actually getting her head in front has admittedly proved problematical, but then the same comment also applies to the majority of her rivals in the £5,200 sprint.

The only other meeting of the day takes place over the sticks at Newton Abbot where the sharp nature of the course seems sure to suit Palisander (2.00).

Richard Ford's spring-heeled gelding normally jumps like a proverbial stag, a major plus in favour of the gallant ten-year-old gelding, who has struck up a pleasing partnership with the somewhat inexperienced conditional jockey Caroline Hurley, who takes handy 10lb of Palisander's back.

In the closing Renault Trafic Van Handicap Hurdle, Greensmith Lane (4.30) makes plenty of appeal.

The Tom Best-ridden top-weight does not normally give up without a fight, a factor likely to tip the scales his way when heads turn for home on the short run-in to the finishing line.

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