ABLE Jack has kicked off 2018 in something of a purple patch and he can keep up the good work in the Bet Quadpot At totesport.com Handicap at Chelmsford.

The five-year-old has seemingly taken on a new lease of life since returning from 427 days off the track last November.

Now with Stuart Williams having previously been trained by Andrew Balding, Able Jack took a couple of outings to warm up before hitting the mark over a mile at this track in January.

Racing off his lowest mark for a long time on that occasion, Able Jack failed to follow up at Kempton next time but any suspicion his revised rating was to blame was erased when he obliged off that perch of 80 at Wolverhampton last time.

Lifting a competitive event that day, Able Jack was probably good value for his three-quarter-length verdict and even with another 4lb on his back, he appeals as a relatively unexposed individual and just the type Williams does so well with.

Stone Of Destiny should appreciate the slightly easier task he faces in the Bet Scoop6 At totesport.com Novice Stakes after trying his hand in a fast track qualifier last time out.

Winner of a Newcastle novice on his debut, it was understandable that David Simcock would want to try him at a better level, but he was unlucky to bump into the admirable Corinthia Knight back at Gosforth Park at the end of last month.

The winner is arguably the top dog in the three-year-old all-weather division this winter, so a near two-length defeat certainly makes Stone Of Destiny an animal of potential.

Carouse is another ex-Balding inmate who can go well for Jamie Osborne in the Bet Exacta At totesport.com Handicap.

He suffered a troubled passage when fourth on his first outing for the yard last month and granted a little more luck here, he should be in the mix.

Whatzdjazz can get Dan Skelton off to a winning start in Cheltenham Festival week by scoring at Stratford.

He lines up in the BetVictor #PRICEITUP Handicap Hurdle on the back of an encouraging comeback run at Market Rasen following an absence of 169 days.

Ulysses finished third behind Triumph favourite Apple's Jade on his latest outing and should be good enough in the Lengthen The Odds With BetVictor Juvenile Hurdle.

Beaten 21 lengths at Cheltenham, he kept on well on his debut for Barry Brennan and this is clearly an easier contest in which to shed his maiden tag.

Ballyheigue Boy has been in fine form of late, scoring at Plumpton and Ascot and he can complete the hat-trick back at the former track in the 188Bet Best Priced Mullins Cheltenham Wednesday Handicap Hurdle while Wotzizname is the pick at Taunton.

He lines up in the South West Racing Club Handicap Chase after beating the well-regarded Mount Mews at Doncaster last time and must be one for the short list.

SELECTIONS

CHELMSFORD: 5.45 Palawan, 6.15 Carouse, 6.45 ABLE JACK (NAP), 7.15 Captain Pugwash, 7.45 Stone Of Destiny, 8.15 Napping, 8.45 Divine Call.

PLUMPTON: 2.20 Dell Oro, 2.50 Sir Hubert, 3.20 Ballyheigue Boy, 3.50 Jubilympics, 4.20 Black Franks Angel, 4.50 Mr Lando.

STRATFORD: 2.30 Shanroe In Milan, 3.00 Whatzdjazz, 3.30 Ulysses, 4.00 Lake Field, 4.30 Alfstar, 5.00 Hey Bud.

TAUNTON: 2.10 Fearsome Fred, 2.40 Flight To Milan, 3.10 Kristal Hart, 3.40 Wotzizname, 4.10 Dalaman, 4.40 Royal Act, 5.10 Rosy World.

DOUBLE: Able Jack and Stone Of Destiny.