14:00 Wed 26 April 2023

BetVictor BALNAKEILLY NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE (3)

Distance 2m 4f 20y

Prize £6,865 Rated (0-130) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 6

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

My top pick for the winner is Huelgoat (15/8 odds). Trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Lorcan Williams, this horse has won four times in a row last autumn, has continued in good form, and could still have more to offer for the top yard. Huelgoat is a key player in this race, especially considering its recent performances and strong form from the trainer.

Other horses to watch for are Fusain (4/1 odds) and Grey Skies (9/1 odds). Fusain has shown potential after a wind surgery and could perform well off its current mark. Grey Skies, on the other hand, is well treated based on last season’s hurdle form and is not to be ruled out. Both horses could run well in this race.

As for Universal Folly (10/3 odds), although it won over hurdles at Market Rasen last month, its jumping hasn’t been entirely convincing in this sphere, which is a concern for today’s race.

14:10 Wed 26 April 2023

MUSIC ON SUNDAY MEETING MARES’ HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 4f 11y

Prize £6,073 Rated (0-120) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 4

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I believe that Sainte Doctor (15/8 odds) is the top pick for the winner in this race. Trained by Neil Mulholland and ridden by Richie McLernon, Sainte Doctor was successful against male rivals at Chepstow and is still well treated on hurdles form. Provided that she’s as effective in first-time cheekpieces, Sainte Doctor is a strong contender in this race.

Another horse to keep an eye on is Whatsdastory (7/4 odds), ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by Dr Richard Newland. This dual chase winner has shown clear second place finishes in 2m5f mares’ handicaps at Taunton and Market Rasen last month. Whatsdastory remains on a workable mark and holds solid claims in its current form.

Feuille De Lune (7/4 odds) is another horse that could run well. With progressive performance in points and a hunter chase win last April, this horse was in the process of running well when unseating its rider at the final fence in a Bangor handicap. Feuille De Lune shouldn’t be dismissed as a potential contender.

14:20 Wed 26 April 2023

BRITISH EBF 40th ANNIVERSARY NOVICE STAKES (5)

Distance 5f

Prize £4,050 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Good to Soft (Soft in places)

My top pick for the winner is High Ovation (2/1 odds). Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, High Ovation has shown ability in 6f All-Weather (AW) contests, especially with a close second at Wolverhampton. This horse is a major player if it can transfer that form to turf and the new trip. High Ovation has been gelded since its last run.

Other horses to watch include Changeofmind (11/4 odds) and Whalley Road (6/1 odds). Changeofmind, trained by Declan Carroll and ridden by Harrison Shaw, made a strong debut at Chester, breaking the 2-year-old course record. This promising colt commands respect on its first run since that victory. Whalley Road, trained by Adrian Nicholls and ridden by Barry McHugh, showed promise at Pontefract and could build on that effort, making it a contender in this race.

Another horse that could be interesting to observe is Tawalla (14/1 odds), a Newmarket raider who could show progress after dropping to 5f following a 6f race at Chelmsford. Keep an eye on the market signals for Whisky McGonagall (10/1 odds), who has been gelded since its last run and could potentially improve upon its return to action.

14:50 Wed 26 April 2023

BET AT racingtv.com HANDICAP (5)

Distance 5f

Prize £4,187 Rated (0-70) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 7

Going Good to Soft (Soft in places)

My top pick for the winner is Sera Dawn (5/4 odds). Ridden by George Bass and trained by Jack Channon, Sera Dawn has shown improvement this season and secured a victory in a 5f Nottingham novice race on soft ground a fortnight ago. This horse is a strong contender as it enters handicapping off a favourable mark.

Other horses to keep an eye on include Doctor Mozart (4/1 odds) and Premier Option (11/2 odds). Doctor Mozart, ridden by Callum Shepherd and trained by David Evans, is on a hat-trick after recent 5f All-Weather wins at Southwell and Wolverhampton. The reliable horse is weighted to perform well in handicap company and has proven itself on good to soft ground. Premier Option, ridden by David Allan and trained by Tim Easterby, showed signs of improvement when placing third in a course and distance handicap two weeks ago, making it worthy of consideration.

Fortunate Star (6/1 odds) could also be a potential contender. Despite not having a clear run in a 5f Thirsk handicap 22 days ago, Fortunate Star hinted at promise and may perform better off a 2lb lower mark in this race.

15:00 Wed 26 April 2023

BRITISH EBF BetVictor GOLD CASTLE ‘NATIONAL HUNT’ NOVICES’ HURDLE (Listed) (1)

Distance 2m 7f 207y

Prize £13,098 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 6

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I believe Makin’yourmindup (5/4 odds) has a strong chance of winning. Ridden by Lorcan Williams and trained by Paul Nicholls, Makin’yourmindup has shown good form, winning 3 out of 5 hurdles. Although carrying a 5lb penalty against some interesting rivals, the progressive stayer has potential for further improvement and holds solid claims.

Other horses to keep an eye on include Hurricane Bay (9/2 odds) and Regal Blue (9/1 odds). Hurricane Bay, ridden by Bryony Frost and trained by Lucy Wadham, pulled up in a Grade 1 race at Aintree, but the soft ground might not have suited. Having placed third in a Grade 2 race at Doncaster in January, Hurricane Bay could be a leading player if it bounces back on better ground. Regal Blue, ridden by Nick Scholfield and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, has shown potential with an impressive win in a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las. Although moving up in grade, the horse has the ability to perform well.

Hitching Jacking (11/2 odds) also deserves consideration. Ridden by Bridget Andrews and trained by Dan Skelton, Hitching Jacking has had two consecutive novice hurdle wins before a near-miss on handicap debut at Uttoxeter. With a step up in trip, there is a good chance Hitching Jacking will perform well in this race.

15:15 Wed 26 April 2023

H.R.SMITH HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 7f 171y

Prize £6,073 Rated (0-115) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 10

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I believe Hipop Des Ongrais (10/3 odds) has a strong chance of winning. Ridden by Bryan Carver and trained by Robert Walford, Hipop Des Ongrais is not the most consistent horse, but showed a creditable performance when upped to 2m7f at Taunton last time. His performance from off the pace was eye-catching, and he should have more to offer at staying trips, putting him in the mix for this race.

Other horses worth considering include The Wrekin (9/2 odds) and Rocky Lake (6/1 odds). The Wrekin, ridden by Richard Patrick and trained by Henry Daly, won three novice hurdles in May/June 2021 and performed fairly in his last race at Ludlow. With a point win under his belt, he is an interesting contender as he goes back up in trip on his chase debut. Rocky Lake, ridden by Tom Bellamy and trained by Emma Lavelle, has a mixed record but looks interesting based on his close fourth at Bangor. This is his first try at 3m under rules, but he has stamina on his dam’s side and should not be ruled out for an in-form yard.

Seigneur Des As (11/2 odds) is another horse to watch. Ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by Milton Harris, Seigneur Des As showed improved form after wind surgery this year, including a C&D win in February. Although his good spell ended at Newbury, the drop back in grade could help him bounce back.

15:25 Wed 26 April 2023

RACING TV PROFITS RETURNED TO RACING HANDICAP (6)

Distance 1m 4f 13y

Prize £3,664 Rated (0-65) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 14

Going Good to Soft (Soft in places)

I would pick FORGETMENOTBLUE (IRE) as the potential winner with odds of 9/2. Forgetmenotblue has been consistently performing well and finished third in a 1m4f Thirsk handicap 22 days ago. This suggests that she could be in with a strong chance of winning this time.

Other horses that may run well include BREGUET BOY (IRE) and TURBULENT POWER. Breguet Boy has been in excellent form since joining his current yard, winning at Newcastle (1m2f) and placing third in a 1m4f Southwell handicap 26 days ago. He could be a strong contender off an unchanged mark. Turbulent Power, although still seeking her first win, recorded a solid second place out of 11 in a C&D handicap a fortnight ago. With a 2lb higher mark this time, she is one to watch as well.

It’s worth keeping an eye on the market for any significant changes in odds, as they may indicate a shift in expectations for some of the runners.

16:23 Wed 26 April 2023

PHILLIP MATTHEWS MEMORIAL MARES’ NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE (5) (D.II)

Distance 2m 5f 55y

Prize £3,961 Rated (0-100) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I would choose Our Laura B (IRE) as the potential winner, with odds of 7/2 to 4/1. Richie McLernon as the jockey and Ben Haslam as the trainer seem to be a strong combination. Our Laura B has shown promise by winning on her handicap debut at Newcastle, and the 6lb rise might not be enough to deter her from performing well in this race. The ground conditions should also suit her.

As for other contenders who could run well, Ol’River Shine (IRE) with odds of 9/2 to 5/1, and ridden by Harry Bannister and trained by Alex Hales, could be a strong competitor. Although she looked tired in her last race, she has shown significant promise in her previous races and could perform well in this low-grade handicap.

Another contender to watch out for is Maid Of The Night (IRE), with odds of 13/2, ridden by Richard Patrick and trained by Henry Daly. She showed improvement and garnered support in her handicap debut at Hereford and has the potential to progress further.

In conclusion, while I believe Our Laura B (IRE) has the strongest chance of winning, keep an eye on Ol’River Shine (IRE) and Maid Of The Night (IRE) as they could also put up a good fight in the race.

16:35 Wed 26 April 2023

BET IN-PLAY ON RACING AT BetVictor AMATEUR JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE (5)

Distance 2m 7f 207y

Prize £3,476 Rated (0-105) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I would choose Fortcanyon (IRE) as the potential winner, with odds of 3/1. Fortcanyon is ridden by Miss Heidi Palin and trained by Sandy Forster. The horse has shown good form recently, with the first-time tongue-tie helping him to victory at Newcastle and a strong third-place finish at Carlisle. Although not entirely reliable, Fortcanyon has the form to be a key contender in this race.

Other horses to watch out for include:

1. Something Golden (IRE), with odds of 10/3, ridden by Mr S. Connor and trained by Iain Jardine. This 7-year-old has shown promise in recent races, handling different ground conditions well. The horse is respected and could put up a strong performance.
2. Lastofthecosmics, with odds of 13/2 to 6/1, ridden by Miss Ailsa McClung and trained by Iain Jardine. Lastofthecosmics has had a solid season, leading late in a race at Musselburgh and finishing ahead of Red Missile. This horse is likely to be in the mix and could run well.
3. Red Missile (IRE), with odds of 7/1 to 13/2, ridden by Miss Lucy Turner and trained by Lucinda Russell. Although Red Missile’s form may be harder to predict, the horse narrowly lost to Lastofthecosmics in a race at Musselburgh and has the potential to perform well in this more realistic race.

In conclusion, while I believe Fortcanyon (IRE) has the strongest chance of winning, keep an eye on Something Golden (IRE), Lastofthecosmics, and Red Missile (IRE), as they could also put up a good fight in the race.

17:28 Wed 26 April 2023

PLYVINE CATERERS OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (4)

Distance 1m 7f 169y

Prize £3,812 Age 4yo Race State Declaration Runners 11

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

I would choose Norman Fletcher as the potential winner, with odds of 3/1 to 11/4. Norman Fletcher is ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. The horse scored at Southwell on its second start and, although it came up short under a penalty in a valuable race on soft ground at Newbury, this race appears to be an easier task, making Norman Fletcher a strong contender.

Other horses to watch out for include:

1. Pearl Island, with odds of 10/3, ridden by Richard Patrick and trained by Henry Daly. Pearl Island is the first foal of a staying hurdler and is likely to need longer trips in due course. However, if the horse can build on its Warwick debut promise, where it finished third, it has possibilities.
2. Diamond Dealer, with odds of 4/1, ridden by Jack Quinlan and trained by B. F. Brookhouse. Diamond Dealer justified favouritism in a British point in February and was subsequently sold for £100,000. The horse is open to progress and should be closely considered.
3. Stay If U Want To, with odds of 15/2 to 7/1, ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. and trained by Jonjo O’Neill. Stay If U Want To is a half-brother to connections’ Lunar Baby, a 1m6f bumper and 2m5f hurdle winner. The horse is a respected debutant, especially if the market speaks favourably.
4. Boundary Jack, with odds of 9/1, ridden by Alex Edwards and trained by Mel Rowley. Boundary Jack attracted significant support at Market Rasen on debut and showed better potential than the final result suggests. The horse should improve and is an interesting contender.

In conclusion, I believe Norman Fletcher has the strongest chance of winning, but Pearl Island, Diamond Dealer, Stay If U Want To, and Boundary Jack could also put up a good performance in the race.

18:30 Wed 26 April 2023

RACE & STAY AT PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION I.N.H. FLAT (Grade 1)

Distance 2m 70y

Prize €100,000 Age 4yo to 7yo Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Yielding to Soft

I would choose A Dream To Share as the likely winner, with odds of 11/10. A Dream To Share, ridden by Mr J. L. Gleeson and trained by John E. Kiely, has an unbeaten record in four starts, including a Grade 2 win at the Dublin Racing Festival and a victory in the 21-runner Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The horse has shown versatility with ground conditions and appears to be the top contender in this race.

Other horses to watch out for include:

1. Tullyhill, with odds of 5/2 to 11/4, ridden by Mr P. W. Mullins and trained by W. P. Mullins. Tullyhill easily won on his bumper debut at Gowran and has shown promise in testing conditions. Though this race is a significant jump in class, Tullyhill is an exciting prospect worth considering.
2. It’s For Me, with odds of 7/1, ridden by Miss J. Townend and trained by W. P. Mullins. It’s For Me performed well in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, finishing fifth. If the horse can settle better during the race, it could have more to offer and potentially improve its standing.
3. Western Diego, with odds of 8/1 to 7/1, ridden by Mr D. O’Connor and trained by W. P. Mullins. Western Diego finished seventh in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, but there are legitimate claims for upgrading that performance. If the horse can settle better in this race, it may get closer to the top contenders.

In conclusion, A Dream To Share appears to have the strongest chance of winning, but Tullyhill, It’s For Me, and Western Diego could also put up a good performance in the race.

18:45 Wed 26 April 2023

AT THE RACES APP FORM STUDY FILLIES’ HANDICAP (5)

Distance 1m 1y

Prize £4,187 Rated (0-75) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 6

Going Standard

I would select Granary Queen as the likely winner, with odds of 6/4 to 13/8. Granary Queen, ridden by Charles Bishop and trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, has a track record of five wins, including a victory over this course and distance. The horse put up an impressive performance on Good Friday, coming from behind to take third place in a competitive fillies’ handicap. Although her racing style requires a bit of luck, she clearly has the ability to win off her current mark.

Other horses to watch out for include:

1. Windsor Pass, with odds of 3/1, ridden by Daniel Muscutt and trained by John Butler. This ex-Irish maiden made a strong start with new connections, finishing second in a 7f handicap at Newcastle after a lengthy absence. The return to 1m should not be an issue, and she is expected to be a key contender in this race.
2. Wadacre Grace, with odds of 7/2 to 9/2, ridden by Franny Norton and trained by Charlie Johnston. Wadacre Grace has recently won over the course and distance, as well as at Newcastle. Although she is moving up the weights, she may still enjoy a favorable run in this race.
3. Just Amber, with odds of 11/1, ridden by Rossa Ryan and trained by Clive Cox. Just Amber has two 1m turf wins under her belt from last summer, and although her form on the all-weather is less impressive, she has shown effectiveness on Polytrack. If she returns in top form, she could be a contender in this race.

In conclusion, Granary Queen appears to be the strongest candidate for the win, but Windsor Pass, Wadacre Grace, and Just Amber also have the potential to perform well in this race.

19:05 Wed 26 April 2023

HSS HIRE HANDICAP CHASE (L’Escargot) (Grade A)

Distance 2m 5f 50y

Prize €140,000 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Yielding to Soft

I would select Ha D’or as the likely winner, with odds of 13/8 to 7/4. Ha D’or, ridden by P. Townend and trained by W. P. Mullins, is a free-going type who made an impressive performance in a 2m5f Fairyhouse rated novice chase in December. Although out of his depth in the Arkle, he is interesting to consider for this handicap debut back up to his winning trip.

Other horses to keep an eye on include:

1. Royal Rendezvous, with odds of 6/1, ridden by D. E. Mullins and trained by W. P. Mullins. The horse defied top-weight off a mark of 160 in this race last year but has been lightly campaigned this term. Royal Rendezvous will need a revival in form to be a contender, but his past performance in this race cannot be ignored.
2. Ilikedwayurthinkin, with odds of 13/2, ridden by M. P. Walsh and trained by Gavin Patrick Cromwell. This horse showed a good effort over fences last time out when finishing third to Lieutenant Command at Leopardstown. With a 6lb advantage over that rival in this race, he has every chance to perform well.
3. Lieutenant Command, with odds of 8/1, ridden by L. A. McKenna and trained by Noel Meade. Lieutenant Command ended a lean spell with a win in a valuable 2m6f Leopardstown handicap last month. He is a definite contender if the ground dries up.

In conclusion, Ha D’or appears to be the strongest candidate for the win, but Royal Rendezvous, Ilikedwayurthinkin, and Lieutenant Command also have the potential to perform well in this race.

19:45 Wed 26 April 2023

WEATHERBYS GENERAL STUD BOOK IRISH EBF MARES I.N.H. FLAT (Liss A Paoraigh) (Grade 3)

Distance 2m 70y

Prize €45,000 Age 4yo to 7yo Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Yielding to Soft

I believe Fun Fun Fun (IRE) is the likeliest winner, with odds of 11/8. She has shown great potential with a win in a Grade 2 Mares’ bumper at Leopardstown and should be able to bounce back from her performance in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The fact that Patrick Mullins stays loyal adds more confidence.

Other horses worth keeping an eye on include Junta Marvel (FR) at 7/2, who won decisively on debut and could improve further, and Cuta Des As (FR) at 8/1, who has been running consistently well in Listed company and doesn’t need to improve much to have a major chance.

Bold Reflection (IRE) at 7/1 could also be a contender, as she won a Limerick bumper and has potential to improve on that form. Miss Agusta (IRE) at 8/1 has shown solid efforts in Listed bumpers and is another one to watch closely.