Best Bets: Monday 16 December

STONEPARK ANN (Trap 2) - 14.27 Sheffield

STONEPARK ANN is an admirably consistent grader at Sheffield, filling the runners-up spot on four of her last five starts. The 500-metre trip is at the limit of her stamina, but she was always playing catch up having half missed a beat in this grade last time. It’s distinctly possible she can boss the inside this afternoon and Phil Barlow’s charge will be difficult to dislodge if doing so.

HEAD ITON VI (Trap 3) - 17.06 Sheffield

HEAD ITON VI obviously has her limitations but with her sole career success to date coming in a similar 280-metre sprint handicap and, on the back of a respectable effort in D4 class last time, she may be ready to strike. Her make-up in this field looks a good one in a race featuring a host of out of form sorts and we’re hopeful of a bold showing.

DARK OCEAN (Trap 5) - 19.52 Nottingham

DARK OCEAN is at his best when trapping quickly and attempting to make every post a winning one, so from what rates a good make-up in the orange jacket, we’re hopeful the son of Candlelight King can employ such tactics and prove a tough nut to crack. A solid high-end grader at Colwick Park, he’s gone close previously in stronger open race contests and this looks a good opportunity for him to open up early doors and attempt to string them out.