Chepstow best bets: Florencethemachine and Pipers Cross set to dominate evening finale

20:15 Chepstow: Braceys Handicap Hurdle (2 miles 7½ furlongs)

Heading the early betting is the Paul Nicholls-trained Florencethemachine, on whom Harry Cobden will be given a good chance to extend his slender lead over Sean Bowen in their close-fought battle for the champion jockey title.

Emerging from a successful points career, this six-year-old mare soon confirmed her promise over hurdles when backing up to frame finishes before Christmas with an impressive win in heavy going at Exeter in January.

She was last seen coming a creditable third of 11 over a shorter distance at this venue earlier this month, and if she manages this step up in trip, then she could give Cobden the perfect send-off before he heads for the jumps season’s Sandown finale on Saturday.

Suggested best bet: Florencethemachine in the 20:15 at Chepstow

It would be ironic is Cobden’s mount was beaten by stablemate Hurricane Danny at a double-digit price,and there has been some support for him among Tipstrr’s each-way specialists, along with Jersey Lady and Midnightreflection.

However, the main threat appears to be posed by fellow market leader Pipers Cross, who has been a model of consistency for trainer Robbie Llewellyn during a busy and productive winter campaign.

Next best bet: Pipers Cross in the 20:15 at Chepstow

Figures of 222131 speak volumes for this seven-year-old mare’s sustained level of performance, with the most recent of those two wins coming over this very course and distance 13 days ago, when Liam Harrison drove Pipers Cross four lengths clear at the line, with five other rivals a further six lengths and more adrift.

That win sees her mark climb a further seven pounds, bringing her 15 pounds higher than her previous winning mark, but she looked like you was ready for another lap last time and it would appear the handicapper has not fully caught up with her capability yet. 

• Tip advised by Model Man on Tipstrr