Monday Racing Tips: Crem can rise to the top

Jump racing holds sway across Britain on Monday, with three meetings taking place across the afternoon - and then we head to Kempton Park under the lights for a flat card.

Amongst our Monday fancies is one for trainer Barry Brennan who looked miles ahead of the handicapper when winning doing handstands last week.

13:05 Plumpton - Hiaou @ 6/5

Chris Gordon has a phenomenal strike-rate at his beloved Plumpton, and it would be disappointing if Hiaou wasn't up to the task on stable and British debut.

Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott in Ireland, the son of Saddler Maker has some smart form in the book, including third in a maiden behind Eric Bloodaxe, who went on to taste Grade 2 success over hurdles.

Hiaou's sole victory came in a 2m maiden hurdle at Punchestown on heavy ground in early-2022, and although he was very disappointing for Elliott for a finish, this is a very easy assignment for him and a good bit of placing by Gordon.

The biggest danger to the selection could be Gary Moore's Saligo Bay, who finished second in a claiming hurdle at Huntingdon when last seen.

14:05 Leicester - Crem Fresh @ 2/1

Six runners look set to go to post for this Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle over just shy of two miles, and recent scorer Crem Fresh can add to her tally.

Trained by Barry Brennan, the mare won with utter ease at Fakenham over 2m4f last week and despite being very keen throughout her race, she still had loads left in the locker once the button was pushed.

Given she raced so freely on the day, the drop back to around two miles should be fine, and she is proven in testing conditions too. Although the handicapper has raised her 7lb for last week's success, she looks well ahead of the assessor at present.

If there is a horse to upset the apple cart, it could be in the form of the progressive Aviewofthestars, who is seeking her third win on the bounce.

15:00 Exeter - Lady Adare @ 5/2

A three-time winner over hurdles, Lady Adare won on her chasing debut at Worcester in October, and she has the class to see off the attention of her nine rivals in the 2m1f Listed Mares' Novices' Chase.

She improved again when last seen running in the 2m4f Grade 2 Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton this month, running on late to finish second behind the very talented Knappers Hill.

That form is standout in the context of this race and this is a drop in class. She will have to prove that she has the pace for this drop in trip, especially given the way she is ridden, usually with plenty of restraint.

If she latches onto the leaders with two fences to go, it should be curtains for the rest of the field.