Timeform Radio Tips: Two best bets from Towcester

David has searched out some bets for you today

David Cleary picks out a couple of bets from today's British meetings.

Fontwell and Towcester both survived early-morning inspections for frost, which means there's a full roster of British cards to add to some excellent fare at Naas this afternoon. The feature race in Britain is the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell at 15.45 in which Paul Nicholls supplies half of the six runners. His trio are closely matched at the weights and there are no real clues with regard to pecking order from jockey bookings. It's arguable, therefore that Dark Lover in a different type of race, is too short at the morning odds; however, the step up in trip could draw further improvement and both Brampour (ground) and Prospect Wells (trip) have questions against them. It looks best to sit on the fence.

The handicap chases at Towcester aren't of great quality but they may well provide better options for punting. In particular, Ballyhilty Bridge in the novice event at 16:30 looks worth an interest, dropped in trip and down a little in the weights too. He's been running at around three miles or more and hasn't been getting home after travelling well held up. Ballyhilty Bridge has been contesting stronger races than the one he runs in this afternoon and at the very least should go strongly for a long way. Of the opposition, neither Badgers Cove nor King's Grace has yet matched their form over hurdles since switched to chasing, so the main danger may be Musical Wedge who has some solid efforts in defeat to his name. However, he's been beaten the last twice off today's mark and is clearly vulnerable. Ballyhilty Bridge looks the answer.

The earlier handicap chase, due off at 15:25, has an open look to it, but Pensnett Bay may be the option. He made a good start over fences last season, winning three times, including on both starts here, one of them over today's distance. Pensnett Bay shaped well in a more competitive event at Sandown on his return and then may well have run too soon when well beaten in second at Lingfield later in November. This afternoon looks a good chance for Pensnett Bay to resume his progress.

Recommendations
Both at Towcester

Back Ballyhilty Bridge @ 7.613/2 in the 16:30
Back Pensnett Bay @ 5.85/1  in the 15:25