NAP of the Day: El Jefe my leading fancy on Tuesday

We signed off last year with an emphatic 10/3 winner - can we start 2024 with another successful NAP of the Day?

I'm at a loss as to the reason why, but Andrew Hamilton's El Jefe has improved beyond recognition this season - and the seven-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.

Before his success at Sedgefield in November last year (I'm going to need a few days to get used to that!), he boasted just one win from 27 runs over hurdles. Since then he's won three in a row, and goes to Fakenham on Tuesday in search of a four-timer.

That hat-trick, which includes a couple of triumphs at Sedgefield in November before a win at Haydock just before Christmas, has seen the selection's mark rise 20lbs from 84 to 104.

His latest victory on Merseyside was off 96, so he's got to deal with an eight-pound rise. However, that's essentially just three as regular jockey Conor Rabbitt is able to utilise his very useful five-pound claim this time.

Given the manner of his win at Haydock, I'd say that's unlikely to be enough to put a stop to El Jefe's winning streak.

This looks an easier contest, too. The 11-year-old Haafapiece hasn't won in two years and has been done no favours by the handicapper, while the equally-exposed Swaffham Bulbeck comes here on the back of two dire performances.

Out Of Focus is a danger but this trip on soft ground is a doubt - and Nordano returns from two years off the track with little optimism.

Casa Loupi is a big price on peak form and is respected, but ultimately the selection is in form, acts on soft ground and could have more to give over this trip. I'm expecting him to make it 4-4.