Karl Burke unleashed lots of promising first time out winners last season, one of which was I'll Be Back, who reappears in the Best Ticket Deals Online At leicester-Racecourse.co.uk Novice Stakes on Monday.
A backward type, he nevertheless knew enough about the game to make a winning debut at Doncaster in November, when Burke was very complimentary.
After the race he stressed that whatever he had done on Town Moor, he was only going to improve over the winter and the fact he is making an early reappearance can only be a good sign.
This son of Lope De Vega displayed plenty of speed on debut winning over 1200m but that must come from his dam's side. Given his sire it is no surprise to see him step up to 1400m here.
Burke could also run a very interesting newcomer in the British Stallion Studs "Confined" Novice Stakes in Railwayman.
Unraced at two, this son of Blue Point is a half-brother the the Group One-winning sprinter Oxted.
He cost 420,000 guineas at Tattersalls Book 1 and will no doubt carry a tall reputation.
John and Sean Quinn's Red Mirage should not be far away in the Join Racing TV Today Handicap.
He may be an eight-year-old but showed when third on his seasonal return to action that he still possesses plenty of ability. Just 1lb above his last winning mark, it could be his day.
There is also Flat action on the all-weather at Newcastle where Marra Donna could find the scoresheet in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap having rattled the crossbar of late.
Ollie Sangster's son of Cotai Glory has proved a model of consistency if not a touch frustrating to follow and off the same mark as when beaten a short head at Lingfield, can land a deserved victory back up to 1200m and on a straight course which will suit.
Elsewhere at the track Wicket Keeper could catch his rivals out in the Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap, while the touch of class is provided by Roger Varian's Kingman newcomer Far Far Out in the Free Bets On attheraces.com Maiden Stakes.
James Owen's Red Oak drops significantly in grade for the carpetgallop.co.uk Where Performance Begins "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Hexham.
His last two starts have been in Kelso's Grade Two novice hurdle and a hot Newbury handicap, where he ran well. Back down in class, he looks sure to go close.
Nassalam is an intriguing runner in the Pointing Pointers Open Hunters' Chase.
Winner of the Welsh National in 2023, he went on to run in the Gold Cup and Grand National that season but it appears to have bottomed him.
In five outings since he has failed to complete, all pulled up, but the handicapper has been slow to relent. Now in this sphere and with Tom Ellis having left Gary and Josh Moore, he could find a new lease of life.
Another to keep onside at the Northumberland track is recent course-and-distance scorer Gardener who could mow down his rivals once again in the Happy Retirement Maurice & Anne Barnes Handicap Hurdle. - Press Association
TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.
LEICESTER: Race 1: 14.52 Railwayman, Race 2: 15.22 I'LL BE BACK (NAP), Race 3: 15.52 Johnny Boom, Race 4: 16.22 Al Barez, Race 5: 16.52 Tenbob Tommy, Race 6: 17.22 Red Mirage, Race 7: 17.52 Engross, Race 8: 18.22 Nando's Pride.
HEXHAM: Race 1: 15.00 Red Oak, Race 2: 15.30 Young Getaway, Race 3: 16.00 Gintime, Race 4: 16.30 Jamiesconn, Race 5: 17.00 Asa, Race 6: 17.30 Gardener, Race 7: 18.00 Nassalam, Race 8: 18.30 Cricket Hill Denis.
FAKENHAM: Race 1: 15.40 Tropical Speed, Race 2: 16.10 Moviddy, Race 3: 16.40 Dartmouth Rose, Race 4: 17.10 Blackacre, Race 5: 17.40 Jamada, Race 6: 18.10 Mister Splash.
NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 18.30 Sovereign Bright, Race 2: 19.00 Marra Donna, Race 3: 19.30 Noelan Star, Race 4: 20.00 Wicket Keeper, Race 5: 20.30 Far Far Out, Race 6: 21.00 Barleybrown, Race 7: 21.30 Darlo Pride.
ALL TO COME: I'll Be Back and Red Mirage (Leicester, Races 2 and 6).