Richard Birch's play of the day at Worcester

Bethpage

3.45 Worcester

Rapid improver Bethpage, who seeks a four-timer, looks the answer to the 2m4f handicap hurdle (3.45), in which she has only 9st 13lb to carry given jockey Joe Anderson's 3lb claim.

The Emma Lavelle-trained mare has not been fully extended in winning handicap hurdles at Fontwell, Ludlow and Southwell, and the suspicion remains there is plenty more to come.

This represents a big step up in class, but you’d expect that with a horse boasting such a progressive profile, and the fact she gets in off such a low weight looks a massive plus.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Lallygag rates her best-handicapped rival, but he blotted his copybook when running out at Newton Abbot last time and it appears his improvement has bottomed out.

Bethpage15:45 Worcester

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Jky: Joe Anderson (3lb)Tnr: Emma Lavelle

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