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Thomas Hodgson returns with two selections from Wednesday’s jumping action…

Chase debutant Halpha Soleil looked much improved when winning over hurdles at this venue in the summer and if taking to fences, he could be poised to land the 2m4f 'Event of Sivola' Ursa Major Legend Handicap Chase (14:50) at Hexham on Wednesday.

Micky Hammond's seven-year-old posted a career-best speed rating of 86 (ATR) on his last appearance, putting him well ahead of rivals at the top of the market in this contest.

Visually, that run was particularly taking, jumping fluently and with consistency throughout – carrying top weight to win comfortably by five-and-a-half lengths. Above all else, this stamped a clear mark on his profile as a performer on soft ground and conditions are set to be near-identical on Wednesday.

Carrying a much-reduced weight on this occasion and bred to be even better over the bigger obstacles, Halpha Soleil is worth chancing on account of his potential to take another big step forward here.

EACH WAY – HALPHA SOLEIL – 10/1

Chasing seemed to bring about a new lease of life in Mister Upton last season and if building on that experience here, he should be thereabouts in the 2m4f Join The Hereford Racing Club Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase (12:35) on Wednesday.

While only fourth on last appearance, that run was solid on the clock, registering a career-best speed rating of 76 (ATR). As such, one might risk his capacity to improve after a break given the upward trajectory identifiable in the formbook. Being so lightly raced, Chris Gordon's five-year-old still remains an unexposed quantity, one I think an official rating of 85 underestimates.

Talented conditional Freddie Gordon's booking is a further boon, representing good value for his claim and operating at a strike rate of 22% over the last two weeks. Likewise, the first-time application of cheekpieces is a positive that must be considered.

WIN – MISTER UPTON – 13/2