Galway Monday Preview

IT’S here! What a week of racing we have ahead of us Galway and Goodwood and for the enthusiasts plenty of other interesting cards around the UK. Visit this blog daily for a preview of some of the racing. I will attempt to help narrow the fields and throw in the odd bit of advice on what looks a good value bet.

you are here for opinion so without further adieu let’s dive into the big race for day 1 at Ballybrit.

The best Seven Days of the Galway year ahead.

5:35 Carlton Hotel Galway City Handicap

Traditionally one of the hardest puzzles of the week, a field off 20 will line up under the amateur riders for the €42,000 first prize.

Firstly to the favourites - Clarach, it is very difficult to see her being far away as they pass the winning post and at the time of writing 8/1 looks extremely generous. She has won 3 on the spin, 2 of those over hurdles.

The drying ground is certainly in her favour, with a useful young rider Declan Lavery claiming 7lbs off the weight and being drawn well in stall 6 and Course form is in the book which is always a plus at Galway. She comes here amid doubts that she will make the line up for the hurdle. Her credentials are rock solid.

Earls Quarter will also prove popular given his connections but a long story short; despite catching the high quality Rebel Fitz out over hurdles here last autumn, I don’t think he is good enough and is plenty short enough in the betting.

A note of interest is that Robert McNamara who rides most of Dermot Weld’s in similar races is not on Midnight Music and instead goes on Scots Gaelic who managed a fourth place at Royal Ascot two starts ago. The latter was a bit disappointing last time despite the trip not being ideal but this will be much more to his liking and the stable is in form.

Another of Pat Flynn’s representatives is Prince Chaparral, he needs to improve slightly to win but could be a good each way play and despite a big price and having leading Point-to-Point rider Barry O'Neill on his back, he is passed over.

Citizenship won one of Ireland’s biggest handicap hurdles in January and was also an easy winner at Killarney last time out in first time blinkers. That race was ran in a very slow time and he is up in class and 10lbs higher now. While that is a big rise he still holds a strong chance but there is better value to be had.

Oilily: highest rated hurdler in the 5:35 field

Last year’s winner Fosters Cross comes here on the back of a fall last time over hurdles. He lines up off an 8lb higher mark when riders claim is considered and is now 10 years old so others are preferred.

Caim Hill arrives here in fantastic form after a win over fences in Kilbeggan’s feature event 10 days ago. A 10 time visitor to the winners’ enclosure and two from two on the flat he is difficult to oppose but the verdict goes to OILILY.

A remarkably consistent mare her only poor efforts came one after the other in an interrupted seven month spell last year. She has competed at a high level over hurdles in the past and is the highest rated of these in that code.

She has had a lot of placed efforts but with first time cheekpieces at Leopardstown on her last run stuck to the task well to win last time and a repeat of that effort should see her go well. At 14/1 she looks the best value in the races but Clarach makes plenty of appeal also.

Verdict:  Oilily – Clarach – Caim Hill

Elsewhere on the card the 5:00 Claregalway Hotel EBF Maiden looks yet again and as will be the case with maidens through the week to be between Aidan O Brien (L) and Dermot Weld (R).

Line Drummer represents Ballydoyle and ran a good race on debut only six days ago at Tipperary on soft ground behind a potentially useful stable mate. Provided he has recovered he holds leading claims.

Nearly all of Aidan O Brien’s representatives in this contest came after quite a recent run so it can be assumed the ground last week will not have blunted him. He is a son of Galileo and they usually improve with racecourse experience adding another positive to his chances.

Weld who is has won this in the region of 20 times in his training career has Thunder Mountain. He only beat one rival home in a strong maiden at The Curragh in May and despite his trainer’s record I would much rather be on Line Drummer.

I will not take the pleasure of sorting out the rest of the contests from you.

Away from Galway, course specialists Almaty Express and Rough Rock should give you a run for your money at Wolverhampton 7:00 and Yarmouth 3:50 respectively.

(Good luck and those of you who know me don’t be shy on donations should I ‘pox’ a winner or two)

China Can Rock Europe in Champion

IRELAND’S biggest National Hunt Racing festival gets underway at Punchestown tomorrow. A seven race card that will begin at the afternoon time of 3:40 for the fourth year representing that it must be successful in boosting attendances.

Willie Mullins has dominated this meeting for the past few years where he has turned ducks into swans on more than one occasion. Of course he also had and has a number of top class Grade1 contenders and if he has over 10 winners for the week one would not be surprised.

Sizing Europe (L) and Big Zeb meet yet again

The big race on the opening day is the Boylesports.com Champion Chase. Here we have the Big Zeb-Sizing Europe rivalry that stretches back to this meeting in 2007 where Henry De Bromhead’s charge led at the line. The two champions have met six times Big Zeb came out on top in this race last year. But the score is currently 4-2 in favour of Sizing Europe and it is not surprising to see him as an odds-on favourite here.

Finians Rainbow who defeated him at Cheltenham went on to look even better at Aintree and some feel but for the last fence mess up by the officials at Cheltenham that Sizing Europe would indeed have won.

The softened ground is not likely to play to the strength of Sizing Europe but the only one it is likely to suit is Realt Dubh. He comes here a fresh horse with only one run since finishing second to Captain Chris at this meeting last year when he was well behind in the Queen Mother on that occasion. However Noel Meade is without a winner since March and that is a slight concern.

A really interesting contender is China Rock. Ruby Walsh will ride and is two from two on the nine year old. He travelled well yet again in the Gold Cup before not staying, and finally connections have seen sense and dropped him in trip. Amazingly he has only ever had one run at the minimum trip, when second to subsequent Supreme Novices' winner Go Native.

China Rock: has beaten Sizing Europe albeit before over further

He is still available at 33/1 and I expect him to trade at much shorter in running tomorrow evening.

Last year’s third Captain Cee Bee and Gauvain make up the field but have a lot of work to do to win.

It is hard to see beyond Sizing Europe but China Rock is outstanding value and is by no means out of it and could cause an upset under Ruby.

One of the other Grade1 races on the card is the Evening Hearld Champion Novice Hurdle. A small field of five is all that will contest the €50k first prize. It looks to lie between Trifolium and Alderwood. Trifoulim was third behind Cinders and Ashes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and with the forecast soft going is likely to be a short price favourite.

Alderwood won the County Hurdle, beating subsequent runaway Aintree winner Edgardo Sol into second, before following up at Fairyhouse. He is three years older than Trifolium so may lack the room for improvement of his younger rival.

It is unusual to be writing off Willie Mullins at Puchestown but all three of his horses are held by the two primaries mentioned.

Sir Des Champs looking for 8 in a row

Another poor turnout for a Grade1 contest is the case for the Growise Chapion Novice Chase. Sir Des Champs  is unbeaten over an obstacle of any description and will go off at extremely short odds (currently 1/4). There is absolutely no concerns over anything for him other than he has never ran over three miles or further. That is unlikely to be a hindrance though as he was powering clear in the Jewson and Willie Mullins had seen him as a horse for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham festival but went the Jewson route because of First Lieutenant’s presence there, who is also owned by Gigginstown.

Mosey Joe was second over hurdles here in 2011 and had looked impressive in three chase starts winning two (finishing 5^th in one where he sprawled on landing a few fences out when leading by over five lengths carrying 12 stone). He was ineligible for novice chases in the UK so has been given a break since. If he resumes in similar form he can be the one to chase home Sir Des Champs.

The big handicap on day one is the 4:55 where a field of 25 will face the starting tape. Former top level contender Snap Tie heads the field and will bid to overcome an absence of over 30 months. The fact that connections have persisted with the 10 year old suggests he still has something in the locker.

JP McManus has a number of contenders but interestingly AP McCoy does not take the ride on either Louisville Lip or Kandari both of which are off weights he can ride at. Kandari has had two runs for Jonjo O Neill and was behind subsequent Cheltenham and Aintree winner Ataglance before being brought down on his return to Ireland at the Fairyhouse meeting.

Ruby Walsh rides Ceol Rua suggesting that is Willie Mullins’ first string. Citizenship won the valuable Boylesports Handicap Hurdle in January and if bouncing back from defeat at Cheltenham is a major player.

Practically everything in the field holds some sort of chance but two I can suggest at fancy prices are Rory Anna and Benash. The first mentioned was in contention at Limerick on her last hurdles start before running out at the last. She always gives her running and the rain would have helped her chance.

Benash has been in and out this year but has put up some good performances in races that were beyond him. He was declared a non runner when entered in this 12 months ago. He ran very well until the approach to the second last at Fairyhouse over 2m6f. The drop back to two miles should suit (record of 21214 at the distance) and the rain will also have helped his chance. At 40/1 he is worth a bet despite his in and out form.

BEST BETS ON THE CARD: CHINA ROCK, BENASH (EW) and RORY ANNA (EW)

Market Rasen Preview Tuesday



Richard Johnson could be smiling tomorrow
with a good book of rides
photo: racing post



THE OPENER at 2:20 has a field of seven where a case can be made for all, conversely it is easy enough to oppose them all.

Enroller was a group horse on the flat and has run respectable in his last two hurdle runs. He is Noel Fehily’s only ride on the day, he has to give weight all round and may have to settle for minor money.

Langley’s best form has come with plenty of cut in the ground but he has only had 4 runs for Tim Vaughan and his record is F112. He has apparently improved for the addition of a tongue strap and with Richard Johnson back on board he is a player.

Osgood is a rare Mick Channon jumps representative. He was second to the Pipe’s “good thing”, Katchmore lost time. He appears here on the same mark. His best NH form is on a sound surface and he should be in the shakeup in an all round competitive affair.

An incredible tight market for the 2:50 with Union Island, having his first run over hurdles for Brian Ellison, the outsider of the quintet. He has been disappointing since returning from a break and is best watched.

The favourite at time of writing is Royal Entourage. He is up the weights after racking up a hat trick and is a leading contender again.

Hoback Junction was highly tried when with Lucy Wadham and ran ok last time to finish third. He appeared to lack fitness when fading late on but with that run under his belt he should be a major contender.

Presenting Ace and D’Gigi will need to show more than they have already to win but are by no means out of the reckoning.

Small but competitive fields are the order of the day. Not one for the each way punter.

The 3:20 is another tough contest to unravel. O Crotaigh has three wins and a nose margin second place at the venue and despite being six pounds higher than his last victory further progress is not ruled out from him back at this track.

His front running tactics should stand him in good stead in a small field. It is not hard to see why Midnight Sail is favourite. He is back in form following a layoff and went close on his most recent run behind a rival completing a four timer.

The step up in distance should also suit and his hurdle rating suggests that he is well in here.

A five horse class 5 chase where only one horse has a win over fences in the UK sounds like it should be straightforward at 3:50. But that horse, KERCABELLEC, is 14 years old, seven pounds out if the handicap and has had more horses finish in front of him than behind him this season.

No other horse jumps from the page with only slight appeal from the favourite Sacre Toi.

Kercabellec returned to the winners enclosure twice this time last year to end a four year drought. His mark is at the same lowly level here. He has gained five of his seven wins in March, the trainer has his horses in excellent form and at 20-1 he is worth a punt in an absolutely terrible looking race.

With absolutely nothing doing in the 4:20 and without some information not on the form book the only option I can see if getting financially involved is Charles. Whether or not he comes back fit after a Winter break is a question but if he does he should be better than the greater majority of these.

Dawn Commander (r): during his days in Ireland
photo: irishracing

If you are at Market Rasen and asking yourself will this day ever end, well there is just two more races and at last we see a couple of horses that can run faster than the ambulance.

Dawn Commander contested the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham but was unable to make a serious impact into proceedings. He previously was just behind weekend winner Golden Call when conceding weight at Bangor in February.

On that form he will be very tough to beat. Finnegan Paddy has been consistent against some handy rivals all Winter but he is yet to get his head in front so is opposed.

Steve Gollings does well at the Licolnshire venue Lincolnshire  , he saddles All That Remains. The horse has not run over 3 miles since winning a Point-to-Point in Ireland. It does appear as if the step up should suit however as he was outpaced recently over 2m1f at Doncaster.

He looks the most potent threat to Dawn Commander.Lincolnshi

Jonny Rye was just denied by last year’s Champion Bumber second Destroyer Deployed as he was third at Southwell earlier this month, a repeat of that should see him be hard to pass again.

The Bumper at 5:20 concludes the action. House Party was well beaten last time at Newbury following a very promising debut behind Call Back who has done ok since. Getting a four year old allowance he should go close to winning.

Scarlet Fire who’s penalty is negated by the riders claim must hold a strong chance again. And of the debutants Scarlet Fire looks the pick for a combination that had a winner in the last few weeks.

BEST BETS: DAWN COMMANDER, KERCABELLEC

From Alfie Spinner to Virginia Ash, its competitive as ever!

NEPTUNE NOVICES HURDLE
This race is among the best at the festival with many future top class horses having contested it. Examples from the last decade are Hardy Eustace (1^st), Denman (2^nd), Peddlers Cross (1^st) and Rock On Ruby (2^nd).

The market suggests that Simonsig has the best chance, he has a big reputation and that is probably why he is so clear in the betting but his form so far has not proven anything.

MONKSLAND was an easy winner on soft/heavy ground at Navan in January and the runner up has since been a close second to Boston Bob and won another race also. Noel Meade and Paul Carberry won this with Nicanor in 2006 and Monskland could repeat the trick.

Ireland’s other main hopes are Bennefficient and Sous Le Cieux. They were first and second in the Delloite Hurdle at Leopardstown over 2m2f but the step up should not be a problem for either.

Batonnier improved out of all recognition to win at the course in January but is a tad short in the betting on what he has achieved. Cotton Mill comes here unbeaten, he was a wide margin winner of his first two races and just got the better of last Saturday’s winner Ambion Wood in very testing conditions at Warwick earlier in the year.

As long as he has recovered from them exploits there is no reason he cannot go well at 16-1. There are 18 entered but it really only concerns a handful.

Grand Crus: Can he break the World Hurdle runner-up hoodoo
photo: thisiscornwall.co.uk

RSA CHASE

The connections of GRAND CRUS have opted for the novice route and leaving a stab at the Gold Cup for another year.

He was an impressive winner at Kempton on Boxing Day and the third that day Bobs Worth takes him on again.

Grand Crus was second to the all conquering Big Buck’s in last year’s World Hurdle but the last two runners up in that, Punchestowns and Time for Rupert, were both beaten favourites in this contest. Although trends for this do not particularly favour David Pipe’s grey the opposition have too much to prove to take him on at the prices.

Bobs Worth is three from three at Cheltenham but was beaten again last time at Ascot, maybe a return to a left handed track will suit, and on trends he is the most likely winner.

First Lieutenant has not been at his best all year but reportedly had a back problem in the early season. He beat the Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby a head in last year’s Neptune Hurdle and is a big threat on that form.

Paul Nicholls’ string usually does well in this contest and Join Together deserves a mention. His form has worked out quite well, he has won twice over fences at the track and is the only course and distance winner to line up. He has been kept fresh for this and is the choice of Ruby Walsh.

Can he defend his crown?
Sizing Europe beats Big Zeb in 2011
photo: betting.betfair.co.uk

Grand Crus is the one they all have to beat but is certainly not bulletproof.

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

A field of eight goes to post that includes the winners from the past two years, SIZING EUROPE and Big Zeb.

Moscow Flyer was the only horse older than nine to win it since 1998 but I do not think Sizing Europe has been reading much statistics. If anything he has looked even better this year when winning impressively on his last two starts.

There does not appear to be any real threat, Finian’s Rainbow was headed late on in the Victor Chandler Chase in January and was second in last year’s Arkle over this circuit.

Gauvain, Kauto Stone and Wishfull Thinking all probably prefer a bit further. Realt Dubh runs his first race of the season and there is no reason to see why Big Zeb can defeat his old rival.

Even money should not be a deterrent. Im So Lucky would be just that if he can make the frame given his horrific Cheltenham record, although he ran his best race in some time at Newbury behind Sprinter Sacre and could be one to look out for before the season is out.

CORAL CUP

Always one of the hottest races of the whole festival this year is every bit as difficult to unravel, David Pipe looks to hold a massive chance of gaining victory. He is represented by Star of Angels (4^th in this in 2009 before injury, winner last time), Consigliere (reverts from fences and better on a softer surface), POOLE MASTER (good novice hurdle form, well in at the weights, still unexposed) and recent French import Balgarry (most recent form is very strong but stepping up in trip).

Poole Master (right): well in on handicap rating
photo: Sportinglife.com

Like the Champion Chase the last two winners line up again –Spirit River and Carlito Brigante, the former needs to bounce back after losing his way over fences but Carlito Brigante’s only ever handicap run was in this last year and has ran well at a higher level in his career so may have a strong chance of repeating the trick carring 12lbs more.

Third Intention, Act Of Kalanisi , Get Me Out Of Here, and Final Approach all have a string claim. As you can see the race has plenty of strength and depth but it could pay to side with David Pipe with Poole Master and Star Of Angels both good each way prices.
Poole Master's jockey Chris Honour only needs one more win to ride out his claim. A goal after which he said he would retire, and what a story it would be if he could visit the winners enclosure at the Cheltenham festival on his last ride.

THE UNDERCARD

The Fred Winter is a bit of a lottery every year as the runners are relatively inexperienced and do not have a strong level of form. Its more about cleaning up the Triumph Hurdle than anything else.

But if you must buy a ticket for this lottery you could do worse than Royal Bonsai at 20-1. The John Quinn trained animal beat the consistent and subsequent winner Eagle Rock. He had a run on the All Weather in February so as not to increase his handicap mark. I have almost talked myself around now and he may well be worth an investment after all.

We could talk about ifs and buts about the Champion Bumper all evening, if I said to steer clear of the Fred Winter then definitely avoid this unless you are privy to reliable information. Yes many good horses do contest it but we do not know them yet. Royal Guardsman was a comprehensive winner of a strong Ascot bumber.

The Tizzards won this with Cue Card in 2010 and their charge can give a good account here.

The day kicks off with the four mile Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase and I see no reason to seek a big price here.

Allee Garde was a close third in a Grade1 at Leopardstown and he is taken to win for the father and son pairing of Willie and Patrick Mullins. Teaforthree and Harry The Viking look likely to play a leading part in the closing stages also.

So let’s hope it’s not the bloodbath some of us saw on day one. Have fun and God Speed!

BEST BETS: MONKSLAND, POOLE MASTER (EW) & STAR OF ANGELS (EW)

TAUNTON PREVIEW TUESDAY

THERE IS a respectable card on offer at Taunton on Tuesday. There are seven races for us to get through.

I don’t think many of you who will be going will risk a speeding ticket to make the first at 1:40 –the Alpha Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Hurdle.

The younger animals in it are well exposed and perhaps the most interesting contender is Venetia Williams’s Sendinpost. Once she got into the straight she flew home to only be beaten under 10 lengths after looking like a distant third was on the cards. The step up to three miles plus will suit and the trainer has been in great form all month.

That’s Some Milan looked like the winner on his handicap debut after the return from his layoff  having traded at 4/6 in running. That was his first run for Ian Willliams and is expected to be fitter for that and looks a strong contender here.

The others have plenty to prove but the market may be a good help in solving this one.

The 2:10 Bravo Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices´ Hurdle on past evidence looks to lie between useful flat performers Alwaary and Dildar. The former now with Rebecca Curtis contesting pattern company nine times when with John Gosden and won in listed company at three.

Will you be risking Sanctuaire? (picture:Getty Images)

Dildar was fouth behind Pour Moi in a quick time affair at Saint Cloud in May, a race that contained French Derby second Bubble Chic and Group2 winner Vadamar. Paul Nicholls’s inmate will be the likely favourite considering he is getting weight all round.

The others are not without a chance and Constant Contact, Sew On Target and Tymford could all play a part.

For just five runners the Charlie Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices´ Chase at 2:40 is a good looking race. Sanctuaire returns to the venue where he burst onto the scene with a comfortable defeat of the then unknown Grand Crus. He now tackles the larger obstacles after two disappointing runs over hurdles.

The fact the Ruby Walsh takes the ride gives confidence but it is difficult to invest in him given his enigmatic nature. Easter Meteor got off the mark last time with a comfortable win to live up to the expectation placed on him by his useful relatives. Though, he probably will not be able to dictate up front this time around.

Shammick Boy took a heavy fall last time and on last season’s hurdle form he would be right in the shake up here. The trainer did not start the year with the customary excellent run of form and that is a negative.

Since injury Midnight Sail seems to have lost his form that saw his finish sixth in an Albert Bartlett and is best watched here.

The 2m1f Delta Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Handicap Hurdle at 3:10 has two extremely interesting handicap debutants, Ted Spread and Ifyouletmefinish, there was not much between the pair behind Grumeti over course and distance in December.

Jeremy Scott’s representative was since a four length second to Pearl Swan (conceding 11lbs) and may reverse form with the former St Ledger hope.

Of the slightly more experienced brigade, Double Handful has proved just that since moving to Lawney Hill and with two easy victories and a 19 pound rise he still has plenty to offer.

Double Handful has moved from Venetia Williams but she now has Monetary Fund formerly with Nicky Henderson. With the exception of last year’s Cheltenham run the six year old has never been far away at the business end, that said a mark of 130 on seasonal reappearance is probably beyond him.

The value of the race may lie with Pantxoa. The King-Hutchinson pairing has been in red hot form with a four wins and two places from their last seven runners. Pantxoa did not go well up in trip last time but he was highly regarded by Alan King before the novice season did not quite go to plan. If he puts in his usual solid run he looks good for a place here.

Pascha Bere is another who may be worth considering with the cheekpieces back on (last win came with them on).

Again a case can be made for a great deal of runners in the 3:40 Command And Logistics Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Handicap Hurdle. Val Mondo is currently at the head of the market on account of his running on fourth behind the handy Poole Master at Lingfield and the current vein of form of the stable.

Is It Me has two ways of going and despite his colossal price probably isn’t the worst 50-1 shot you will see. Woodlark Island is on a dangerous mark but may be one for the drier ground in a few weeks time.

Arctic Watch clearly doesn’t take a lot of racing but holds frame claims and despite still being a maiden one that looks certain to play a part at the finish is Anay Turge who was second to subsequent winners the last twice.

Venetia Williams;
multiple chances
(picture: racing post)

The 4:10 Go Commando Handicap Chase has attracted a few whom are dropping in grade. By the time this rolls around Venetia Williams may have already had a good day but Renard looks her best hope tomorrow.

Fifth and fourth on his last two starts when fading late, the drop in trip will suit. Another who will appreciate the shorter distance is Nomecheki, he completely dropped the anchor last time at the third last. Before that he was fourth in the 32 Red Chase at Sandown and a reproduction of that would see him make the places at least.

Frankie Figg appears at his best over the national fences and it is hard to have Star Galaxy off a career high rating aged 12 and a single figure price despite his January brace of victories.

Renard looks the most solid option here.

There are a few stables that do well with their newcomers in the represented in the 4:40 Dbs/Ebf Mares´ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. The market and paddock watch is probably the best hope of unravelling this. I don’t have the answer so good luck.

BEST BETS – RENARD, PANTXOA (EW)

Ayr Tuesday Preview

With Ayr having no expected problems with weather tomorrow it could be the only meeting on Tuesday. It is a decent card for a Wednesday and despite small fields they are engaging affairs.

Small fields the order of the day
(picture - wikipedia)

We are underway at 1:10 with the Betvictor.com Maiden Hurdle. A field of 10 contest, Donald Mc Cain has the 60,000 guineas purchase Lexi’s Boy. He was a steady performer on the flat with four AW wins. He was pulled up when a short price favourite on his hurdles debut and better is surely in store here.

Cadore was a clear second on his first time over obstacles and normal improvement would put him in the frame here for a team in good form (Russell-Buchanan). He comes in after a recent run and has the least question marks of the line up.

Mill Bay was not disgraced on two bumper runs at Musselburgh but may have place claims at best.The pick of the Nicky Richards’ trio Find A Key had a subsequent two time winner behind him (conceding 5lbs) in a Hexham bumper and holds leading claims.

A more open four runner field you are unlikely to see at Ayr on a Tuesday than in the Bet Mobile At Betvictor.Com Novices´ Chase at 1:40.  Blenheim Brook heads them under a seven pound penalty but still well in on official figures.

He has an admirable record finishing first or second on 10 out of 13 rules starts and his two of his three runner-up finishes over fences were against useful rivals.

Dowd’s Destiny has only six runs despite being a nine year old. We still know little about him for a horse of that age and could well even improve and the stable are in great form (3 wins and 1 second in last 7 runners).

Trainer R TJ Wilson sends over Yes Tom from his Antrim yard. He has been keeping decent enough company and with Paddy Brennan on should give a good account.

Storming Gale completes the line up for a big stable but may be one for a handicap later this season but will have come on for his last run.

A tough one to call but despite having the worst chance on official ratings Dowd’s Destiny can make his presence felt over the 2m4f trip.

The 2:10 Best Odds Guaranteed At Betvictor.Com Handicap Chase over 3m1f looks easier to figure out. Sammy Spiderman has a good record at Ayr with four wins. Those wins took place on much softer going than is likely here, and he may be better over shorter despite a course and distance win (getting lumps of weight against veteran rivals), he receives weight again today and has a chance.

Quinder Spring has gradually filtered down the handicap but is still carrying the most weight here.  Has had a short break since fourth at Catterick in November and in first time visor for an inform team holds major claims.

Martin Todhunter is also hoping that a first time visor can see him into the winners’ enclosure with Allanard. The eight year old has not won over this far but has only tried three times and appeared to stay. Now only one pound higher than his last win and goes well for jockey James Reveley he can win here.

There is nothing to get excited about in the 2:40 Watch Live Racing At Betvictor.Com Handicap Hurdle over an extended three miles.

Another Miracle heads the betting for the McCain stable and is a worthy favourite. He had some middling form in 2010 and went close on his stable debut in November.

Gleann Na NDochais won stylishly in late December and has strong claims off a 12lb higher mark. That was his handicap debut and he was stepping up in distance. He steps up again here, is the youngest in the field and is the one to beat.

Only two places on offer with the seven runners but Delightfully is another to consider.

Old Magic looks like one of them JP McManus sleepers and it could be his time to awaken in the 3:10 Play Casino At Betvictor.Com Novices´ Handicap Hurdle.

Stormion is the only last time out winner in the field and is respected. There is little to say about most of the others. Market signals could be vital to unravelling this one so follow them.

Anthor small field but competitive looking race at 3:40, the Betvictor.Com Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Chase. Old boy Something Silver likes it here at Ayr with four course wins. He does not win often though and with only one win since February 2008 is passed over.

An improved run over course and distance last time puts Et Maintenant right into the shake up. Now eight pounds below the last winning mark and Grant Cockburn claiming eight more and with the ground to suit he can get his first win since 2010.

Primrose Time is up 11lbs for her latest run and conceding weight to all she may find life tough off a career high mark.

The 4:10 Bet Mobile At Betvictor.Com Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race concludes the Ayr card. Howaboutnow is the only winner in the sextet and is the one to beat.

Young Palm and Blazin White Face are the two most likely to challenge.

BEST BET – ET MAINTENANT

Warwick Saturday Preview

Golden Chieftan has talent
(photo: sportinglife.com)

The first race is too tough an affair for me to sort out and it is easily passed over.

Therefore we shall begin in the 1:25 Betfred 1350 shops nationwide Novices´ Chase the three mile trip may be against Frascati Park who has done all his winning over shorter. Court Victory was disqualified last time and will need a better effort here to win.

Alfie Spinner had a win on very testing ground at Chepstow on Welsh National day and will go well here as he did when second in the Pertempts Qualifier on the card last season.

Golden Chieftan is one who will also handle the likely soft going that is often associated with Warwick but he has been let down by his jumping of late, if it has improved since he is the one to beat.

The Betfred The Bonus King Handicap Chase (For The Edward Courage Cup) is a very trappy eight runner contest. There is not much to separate them on paper.

Marodima was formerly useful and was a winner by some margin on Thursday on his first run since June. Despite that 53 length win over Massini Sunset he is not one to take a short price about here with only two days since that rout.

Roi de Rose was a comfortable winner on his second run last season and may have needed his first run  again this time round when second last time (just holding Massini Sunset for 2nd). The winner has won again since and coupled with first time blinkers he looks a major player.

Another who was second last time was Super Foreman and has shown solid form all season, Moon Over Miami was not far behind him that day and may finish ahead of him this time and I think the race will be run to suit Charlie Mann’s runner who could go well at a big price.

Educated Evans has gone up 22lbs in the handicap since his first win in October and will need to pull out more off top weight here.

Thehilloffuisneach heads the market for the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at 2:30, he has risen a great deal in the weights since his two December victories.

Last year’s winner Mobaasher has not shown much this season since his move to Rod Millman but was hardly in sparkling form before winning in 2011. 12 months on he is 12lbs lower and if he shows his best then he will make a mockery of his current 40/1 price.

Volador had some useful form before his lay-off but will likely be in need of this. Safran De Cotte won at Haydock in bottomless last time and should stay the new trip and is one to consider. The handicapper may have caught up with Water Garden, Petitfour has too much to do off 11-12 and his Cheltenham conquerer Dorset Square is yet another contender in a traditionally competitive Pertempts’ Qualifier.

Barwell Bridge (right) has strong claims
(photo: turfpix.com)

The selection here is Barwell Bridge, he ran really well before fading very late on at Wincanton behind two inform rivals and with a run under his belt back up in trip he is a major contender.

The 3:05 Neptune Investment Management Leamington Novices´ Hurdle is safe to narrow to three. Ambion Wood was an easy winner of a maiden hurdle last time and has some good runs behind useful rivals in the book.

Highland Lodge beat a fancied rival in Diocles over the Haydock brush hurdles last time and is a worthy favourite for a stable with a couple of recent wins in this contest. Cotton Mill is his main rival and was an easy winner of both his hurdle starts. Admittedly he did not beat too much but he looked a good horse in the process.

This winner of this race will no doubt be a strong contender for Cheltenham in March. Given the amount of subsequent winners that have emerged from Emma Lavelle’s charge’s victories he is taken to win again.

The big one at Warwick on Saturday is the Betfred Classic Chase. The favourite is Sona Sasta for David Pipe. He ran subsequent Welsh National winner Le Beau Bai close at Chepstow in December. He was well beaten at Leopardstown over Christmas though and jockey bookings would suggest he is second preference despite being favourite.

The stables other runner is Faasel. He has been second in 2 successive Kim Muir’s at the Cheltenham festival. He goes well fresh and is having his first start since his second place in the Bet365 at Sandown in April.

He does prefer good ground so any rain would hinder his chance. It is apparently currently Good/Soft at Warwick so that should be ok but it often rides softer than description here.

One who won’t mind soft ground is top weight Hey Big Spender. He appears to have a lot to do conceding about a stone all round but is not without a chance.

Blazing Bailey can come again (photo: racingpost.com)

Neptune Equester won at Haydock on Betfair day but was a 25 length fifth in the mud last time at Wetherby. The better the ground the better his chance but he may not be good enough anyway.

Blazing Bailey represents Alan King who has won the last 2 runnings of this race.

He couldn’t go the pace in the heavy going in the Welsh national but had previously run well for a long way in the Hennessy.

He rediscovered form early in the year last season and with 2 runs under his belt and given the trainer’s record in the contest he must be respected.

And finally Paddy Brennan takes a ride for former boss Nigel Twiston-Davies for the first time in a while. The pair team up on Major Mularkey with the trainer’s son Sam on old boy Hello Bud.

It is not an easy puzzle to solve but Blazing Bailey can come good again in the early year and go close for the King stable.

Much like the first race on the card the last one will have to sort itself out also.

BEST BET: BARWELL BRIDGE (EW) [ Mobaasher (EW)]