EXTREMES of ground and distance suit Villair (2.20), a marathon specialist with his sights set on victory in Market Rasen's Willingham Woods Handicap Chase.

Charlie Mann's near veteran stays all day and with plenty of rain around it's going to be like galloping through treacle at the Lincolnshire venue, conditions which are ideal for Villair.

As usual the ten-year-old found himself to the rear early on during his reappearance over course and distance, however he kept plugging away and ultimately was good enough to grab third spot.

Being a tad long in the tooth, Villiar will have needed the outing to get his muscles flexed. Now he's achieved that first objective, the time is right to strike from a punting point of view.

Marsh Run (2.50), who has started the season brightly without actually getting her nose in front, looks the solid each-way option for the Legsby Road Handicap Hurdle.

Mick Easterby's mare was involved in an absolute thriller at Hexham last time out when a large horse blanket was sufficient to cover the first four past the post.

After adjustments for distance, it was the fastest race run at the meeting, underlining the strength of the selection's performance.

Odds-on backers will be licking their lips at the opportunity to support Lennon (3.20), liable to start hot favourite for the closing Racing UK Novices' Hurdle.

The Graham Wylie-owned gelding, previously a dual-bumper scorer, did little wrong on his timber debut by beating all bar the progressive Hoh Viss.

A mini gamble (9s to 6-1) went astray on Wincanton-bound Dante Citizen (3.10) as Tom George's charge could only fill fourth place.

If sufficiently brave to go have another crack, compensation awaits connections in the Weatherbys Bank Silver Buck Handicap Chase.

Dante Citizen appeared slightly undercooked fitness-wise last time and there'll be no such excuse in this afternoon's extended three-mile-and-one-furlong test, with track, trip and weights all suggesting Dante Citizen won't be far away at the finish.