Message Personnel - 13:10 Wetherby
Smart Stat: 27% - Dan Skelton's strike rate at WETHERBY since the start of the 2016/17 season
Smart Stat: 31% - Harry Skelton's strike rate at WETHERBY
The Skeltons have a brilliant record at Wetherby and, Message Personnel, a winner at Dieppe in the summer for Jean-Pierre Dubois, looks interesting having run to a fairly useful level in a valuable event at Cheltenham last month on his British debut. He was let down by his jumping that day, but he was attempting to concede weight all round to some promising types, and he remains open to improvement. He looks the part in the flesh and better is expected now in this less-taxing company.
Smart Stat: £66.03 - Venetia Williams's profit to a £1 level stake with chasers running after a break
Realm Keeper belatedly took advantage of a falling mark when winning back-to-back handicaps over fences at Fontwell and Carlisle last season and, though he was disappointing in the Topham when last seen at Aintree, he is probably best not judged too harshly on that run. The majority of his best form has come in small fields, and it is worth noting that several horses from the Venetia Williams yard have made winning reappearances after undergoing wind surgery this season, so a much better run is expected.
Beryl The Peril - 18:30 Newcastle
Smart Stat: 21% - Kevin Philippart de Foy's strike rate in winter
Beryl The Peril was strong in the betting and deservedly opened her account for these connections at Wolverhampton in November. She has shaped well in a couple of starts since, too, leaving the impression she is still in top form when third to a well-handicapped pair dropped to six furlongs last time. That looks strong form for the grade and the switch to this stiffer track should suit well.