Timeform Radio Tips: Mate can keep on track

Today's Radio Tips come from Fontwell
Rory Delargy runs us through his best bets for Friday.
It seems that Fontwell is the meeting least affected by recent rain, and it's to the West Sussex venue that we head for today's best bets.
He may have been raised a whopping 14 lb by the handicapper for winning at Worcester last time, but James Evans' progressive hurdler Trackmate can make light of that rise by landing the 16:25, a handicap over 27 furlongs. The son of Muhtarram has progressed markedly since tackling handicaps, and would be unbeaten if he hadn't all but fallen at Bangor in August. The way he rallied to finish second there was remarkable, and he showed further improvement to slam the in-form On The Bridge for his latest win, in what had looked a competitive contest. That was his first try at 3m, and the way he stayed on in rain-softened ground suggested that he would get a bit further.
Today's trip is undeniably a step into the unknown, but Trackmate hasn't stopped his progress, and can make superior fitness count. Galaxy Rock looks the main threat having twice been placed from his current mark last season, and he is a thorough stayer to boot. A slight concern is the ground, and while he's won on heavy, that came in a virtual match, and his best efforts have coincided with racing on a sound surface.
Rossmore Lad is the strict pick on ratings, but has often shaped like a horse with problems, and seems best at a sharp 3m, while Mavalenta may pose a bigger threat, with the step up in trip likely to suit this lazy sort given how well she saw things out last time.
In the novices' chase at 14:40, all eyes will be on the returning There's No Panic who represents last year's winning trainer Paul Nicholls. He won't lack for either fitness or schooling on this chase debut, but he was an inferior hurdler to First Fandango, and it seems bizarre that he should start at shorter odds than Tim Vaughan's runner, especially as further rain would surely favour the latter. I expect the market leaders to "flip-flop" before the off, and recommend backing First Fandango at morning odds.
Recommended Bets
Back Trackmate @ 4.84/1 in the 16:25 Fontwell (NAP)
Back First Fandango @ 3.185/40 in the 14:40 Fontwell (NB)