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In the Racing UK Apprentice Handicap (5.10) at Kempton on Wednesday, Moayadd was beaten in a similar ‘egg-and-spoon’ race over 7 furlongs at Chelmsford last month on his debut for Neil Mulholland, but found the expected improvement when landing odds of 8/11 in a better race, over 1 mile 2 furlongs, at Newcastle eight days ago with a minimum of fuss. His 6lb penalty is offset by dropping back into 0-50 company and he can get the evening off to a good start.

In the 32Red Handicap (6.50) at Kempton, Franco’s Secret has one his last two starts – including over course and distance 12 days ago – by a neck and a head and has been raised just 3lb, in total, so may be able to complete a hat-trick under Tom Marquand. The form of his previous win at Lingfield has been franked by the second, Chevallier, who won a 0-95 contest back at the Surrey track last month, so there are reasons for believing he’s still well handicapped, despite a career-high mark.

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Selections: Kempton 5.10 Moayadd, Kempton 6.50 Franco’s Secret, 1-point Win Double

Charli Parcs was good value for his winning margin when beating subsequent winner Poker Play on his racecourse debut at Enghien in November and was never off the bridle when winning on his debut for Nicky Henderson at Kempton in December. His odds are likely to be prohibitive, but he appeals as the type to follow until beaten and can get the ball rolling for us in the 1.30 at Musselburgh.

Politologue last no caste in defeat when beaten 1¼ lengths by the progressive Waiting Patiently at Haydock two weeks ago and may be able to take another step forward in the 2.25 at Sandown. Paul Nicholls held a strong hand in the race at the five-day declaration stage, with Le Prezien, Clan Des Obeaux and Frodon his other entries, so in the absence of Politologue the stable selected looks the one to be on.

Despite slight doubts about his stamina over 3 miles 45 yards, Rock The Kasbah finished second in a Grade 2 novices’ chase – the form of which has worked out well – over 2 miles 5 furlongs at Ascot in December and may have more to offer. He’s done most of his winning with ‘soft’ in the going description and should have conditions to his liking in the 2.45 at Wetherby.

Last, but hopefully not least, the 3.00 at Sandown may be best left to the progressive five-year-old El Terremoto, who finished third in the murk at Haydock last time and should benefit from stepping back up in distance. Testing conditions hold no terrors for him.

Selections: Musselburgh 1.30 Charlie Parcs, Sandown 2.25 Politologue (if abs., Paul Nicholls’ selected), Wetherby 2.45 Rock The Kasbah, Sandown 3.00 El Terremoto (1-point win Yankee)

In the 5.45 at Newcastle on Friday, Custard The Dragon seems equally at home on Fibresand, Polytrack and Tapeta and, off a mark just 3lb higher than when winning at Southwell earlier this month, must have every chance of completing a hat-trick. Jockey Andrew Mullen is 1-3 for the yard on the all-weather.

In the 7.15 at Newcastle, Star Of Spring ran creditably in defeat off today’s revised mark over course and distance last Saturday and, with apprentice Callum Rodriguez taking off 7lb, may be capable of making a swift return to the winners’ enclosure. Iain Jardine’s five-year-old seems better on Tapeta than elsewhere, but is still not fully exposed on the surface.

In the 8.15 at Newcastle, Novabridge is already 2-3 over course and distance this winter and still looks feasibly weighted, off a 4lb higher mark, on his hat-trick attempt. The Avondridge gelding is clearly thriving in his new surroundings, have joined Karen Tutty in October, and can keep up the good work.

Selections: Newcastle 5.45 Custard The Dragon, Newcastle 7.15 Star Of Spring, Newcastle 8.15 Novabridge, 1-point Each-way Treble