13:40 Wed 10 May 2023

RACING TV HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 7f 96y

Prize £5,281 Rated (0-120) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 8

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Just Don’t Know: This 10-year-old has two small-field wins under his belt this year, including one on heavy ground over this course and distance in January. However, he hasn’t been at his best in stronger company in his last two races, including being pulled up in the Highland National at Perth. This suggests that he might struggle against tougher competition.
2. Hidden Commander: With three wins last season, including one over this course and distance on good to firm ground, Hidden Commander is a strong contender. He’s also proven his ability to win on soft ground. However, he’s returning from a break, so his current form is a bit of a question mark.
3. Domandlouis: While he’s yet to win over fences, Domandlouis has put in creditable performances as runner-up in his last two starts, including over this course and distance last month. Given his consistent performances, he’s definitely one to consider, but the lack of a win over fences is a concern.
4. Juge Et Parti: This horse won two 3m chases in the summer of 2021 on soft ground and has had some fair efforts since then. He wasn’t in top form last season, which is a concern, but he’s well handicapped, the conditions suit him, and he could potentially be a good each-way choice.

In addition to the rankings, Margaret’s Legacy is worth a mention. A dual hurdle winner in testing ground in France, she had a creditable third-place finish at Uttoxeter on her latest start after undergoing wind surgery. This suggests that she could be a strong contender in this race.

14:15 Wed 10 May 2023

AITKEN TURNBULL ARCHITECTS HANDICAP HURDLE (4)

Distance 2m 6f 151y

Prize £4,753 Rated (0-120) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 10

Going Good to Soft (Good in places

1. Curley Finger: This horse is currently in good form, winning at Musselburgh with cheekpieces, and then placing a respectable fifth at Carlisle. The retained headgear seems to have a positive effect, and there’s a strong possibility that Curley Finger will put on another good performance.
2. Warriors Story: With a clear second-place finish over the course and distance last month and a win at Newcastle last spring, Warriors Story is a solid contender. Despite carrying a 3lb higher mark, the horse’s track record suggests he can put on a strong show.
3. Hoganville: Having completed a hat-trick in the autumn, Hoganville made an impressive start with the current yard. However, the form has regressed in the last two outings, and the horse will need to bounce back to his previous performance level to be in the mix here.
4. Better Getalong: Despite dipping form in the last two appearances, Better Getalong has shown consistency in the past. However, the age of the horse might be catching up, and this could limit the performance.

An outsider to consider might be Split The Bill. He’s a seven-race maiden, but his recent handicap debut at Perth was encouraging. He finished fourth, indicating he could progress at this level. This horse may be worth considering despite the rankings.

14:50 Wed 10 May 2023

BRUCE STEVENSON INSURANCE BROKERS NOVICES’ HURDLE (4)

Distance 2m 4f 189y

Prize £4,357 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Ballyporeen: Since joining Donald McCain, this horse has won twice, once at Musselburgh and once at this course. Given this recent form and potential for further improvement, Ballyporeen is the strongest contender in this race, even with a double penalty.
2. Harper Valley: Despite a fall in an Irish point, Harper Valley has shown promise in two attempts over hurdles, coming third at Hexham. This horse should be suited by the longer distance in this race and, therefore, is a respected contender.
3. Kopa Kilana: Kopa Kilana won a bumper in 2021 and although seemingly outmatched by Ballyporeen on a previous course run, the horse did enough to suggest possible frame placement in this field.
4. Jimmys Jet: Starting his career with a bumper win at Ayr, Jimmys Jet had a fall when switched to hurdles. If he can return to his debut form, there are possibilities for a strong performance.

An outsider to keep an eye on could be Heeztheboy. While his form at about 2m is not strong, his pedigree suggests potential improvement for this new trip. Although handicaps may prove more suitable, a surprise performance cannot be ruled out completely.

15:25 Wed 10 May 2023

RBC BREWIN DOLPHIN HANDICAP HURDLE (5) (D.I)

Distance 2m 4f 189y

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

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Castletown: A veteran with consistent form over both fences and hurdles since last spring. Recently, he came second at Ayr, indicating a strong chance in this race off an unaltered mark.
2. Balkalin: Finally opened his account in a novice hurdle here last October, and showed a commendable performance with a third-place finish in a Hexham handicap last month. He remains on the same mark and has good prospects for a place.
3. Boomslang: Although a five-race maiden, Boomslang has shown largely encouraging form. His recent sixth-place finish at Wetherby, along with an impression of improvement on handicapping and increasing the distance, makes him an interesting contender.
4. Melchoir: Despite being a seven-race maiden, Melchoir showed improvement in his last race at this course. If he continues to build on that performance, he could be a potential challenger in this field.

An outsider to watch could be Shantou’s Temple. Despite not building on his promising bumper debut, his move to handicapping and his pedigree suggest he may have something to offer off his modest opening mark. He could spring a surprise.

16:00 Wed 10 May 2023

RBC BREWIN DOLPHIN HANDICAP HURDLE (5) (D.II)

Distance 2m 4f 189y

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

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Eloi Du Puy: Eloi Du Puy has been competitive in bumpers and showed a promising performance in his handicap debut at Ayr. Although his first attempt over this distance on heavy ground didn’t go as planned, it’s possible the ground was a factor. If he can handle the extra distance on softer ground, he could be a strong contender.
2. Game Beaaa: This lightly raced maiden managed a decent third-place finish at Doncaster, although the slower pace of that race may have flattered her performance. Since then, she’s undergone wind surgery, which could potentially improve her stamina and overall performance.
3. Red Missile: Red Missile is a bit of a wildcard with inconsistent performances, but he has shown potential in three of his previous four efforts over varying distances. If he can put in a good performance, he could be a dark horse in this race.
4. Wearelongterm: Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, Wearelongterm has experience in hunter chases. His handicap debut at Perth was in a higher grade and he managed a respectable performance. He is worth considering as a contender.

An outsider that might be worth attention is Balranald. Despite his record of 0-21 over hurdles, his performance at Carlisle last month was his best in a while, narrowly missing out on a win. If he can replicate or build on that performance, he could be in with a chance.

:30 Wed 10 May 2023

BEDMAX HANDICAP CHASE (3)

Distance 2m 1f 14y

Prize £7,922 Rated (0-135) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 6

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Geromino: Geromino demonstrated strong form in small-field chases last year, even pushing the skilled Tommy’s Oscar to a narrow defeat. His last race, a challenging big-field handicap hurdle at the Grand National meeting, didn’t go as well, but given his previous form, that performance can be overlooked. His return after a lengthy absence could see him back in contention.
2. Bollingerandkrug: A dual hurdle winner at this track, Bollingerandkrug also opened his chase account here in March, demonstrating good jumping abilities. His last outing, where he came second to Duty Calls, might have been influenced by unsuitably soft ground. If the conditions are more to his liking, he is likely to be a strong contender.
3. Duty Calls: Having outperformed Bollingerandkrug over this course and distance in March, Duty Calls demonstrated his capability. While his performance over hurdles at Carlisle didn’t go as well, a return to his form shown here could make him a strong competitor in this race.
4. Cedar Hill: Although Cedar Hill finished second in this race a year ago with a higher rating, his limited runs since then have been less than impressive. However, his past performance on this track can’t be entirely disregarded.

One to watch could be Cracking Destiny. Despite an underwhelming season, his performance as runner-up in a Listed chase at Wetherby off a higher rating is notable. Having undergone a wind operation, there could be potential for a resurgence in form.

17:02 Wed 10 May 2023

RACING TOGETHER NOVICES’ HUNTERS’ CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 5f 133y

Prize £3,388 Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 5

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Time Leader: This horse seems to be in form, with two hunter chase victories this year. His recent fifth-place finish at the Aintree Foxhunters’, despite long odds, further solidifies his potential. Unless there’s a surprise, Time Leader is the one to beat in this race.
2. Hermann Clermont: Previously a capable chaser for Gordon Elliott with two wins at Perth, his recent performances have been less inspiring, including a fall and a withdrawal. However, a return to better ground may suit him, although he does have something to prove now.
3. Garbanzo: This four-time flat winner up to 1m6f has a point win and a credible second-place finish in a point to his credit. However, this race might prove to be a sterner test for him.
4. Royal Chant: Despite having nine point wins, Royal Chant hasn’t been as effective over regulation fences. This could be a significant drawback in this competition.

Shaughnessy is an interesting horse that the rankings may have overlooked. Despite not having won in his 23 attempts over hurdles/fences and in points, his good second place in a Musselburgh hunter chase in March indicates potential that could come into play in this race.

17:35 Wed 10 May 2023

WATCH AGAIN ON RACING TV OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (4)

Distance 2m 51y

Prize £2,723 Age 4yo to 5yo Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Good to Soft (Good in places)

1. Lemoine: His third-place finishes at both Aintree and Ayr were encouraging, although a slow pace might not have been to his advantage in his last outing. Nevertheless, he’s shown promise and could be a strong contender for a place here.
2. Edgewell: Despite being outpaced, he managed to finish in the frame here three weeks ago. While he’ll likely need to find a bit more to compete for the win, it would be unwise to rule him out completely.
3. Perfect Poli: This well-related horse displayed potential by finishing fourth at Wetherby despite racing freely. With an expected improvement, he could be in contention.
4. Cracking Rhapsody: A half-brother to the useful Cracking Destiny, he didn’t pose a threat in his last outing here but could improve. Definitely a horse to watch.

Indian Louis, despite being overlooked by the rankings, could be an interesting prospect. Purchased for £70,000 after winning two Irish points, he’s joined a respected yard and could have a future. The form of his point wins isn’t particularly special, but the transition to a new yard could bring out the best in him.

Also, Shengai Enki, who ran below expectations on his debut but showed improvement at Punchestown, should be considered.