Steve Ryder Sunday Racing Tips

The Harry Rogers trained Benkei (best priced at 40/1) ran well here in September and should outrun his odds in this race off 3lb lower. The eleven-year-old was still in contention approaching the last over this course and distance when ridden by 7lb claimer Miss S Larkin but weakened to finished 7th beaten only nine lengths.

The handicapper has dropped Benkei 3lb for a below par effort at Listowel but he is of interest back over this course and distance with Phillip Enright taking over. Bookmakers are offering five places on the race and he should outrun his odds.

Gordon Elliott has won six out of the last ten renewals of this race and he looks to hold strong claims with both Hollow Games and Ginto (best priced at 5/2) this year. Both are owned by Bective Stud and I have a feeling the favourite Hollow Games may be a NR on account of the good ground. His stablemate Ginto won a bumper on heavy ground in February before making a winning debut over hurdles last time over this course and distance on good ground.

Ginto looks as if a step up in trip is imminent for him but this doesn’t look the strongest of Grade 3 novice hurdles and I expect him to prove hard to beat even if the favourite Hollow Games does take his chance in this race.

White Moon (best priced at 11/4) has won two of his three starts at Exeter with his only defeat at the venue coming in a novice chase that featured Defi Du Seuil, Topofthegame and Black Op. The Colin Tizzard trained nine-year-old has had a difficult couple of seasons but has now dropped down to an attractive handicap mark of 118.

The Tizzard yard are in much better form this season and similar horses such as Lostintranslation yesterday have been bouncing back to form on their reappearances. If he still retains his old ability (was previously rated 143 over fences) then he should win this easily under Brendan Powell.

Having tipped Benkei to win the opening handicap hurdle, I am hoping that Lord Erskine (best priced at 33/1) can provide a memorable afternoon for owner Jeremiah Nolan, trainer Harry Rogers and jockey Phillip Enright.

Lord Erskine won this race last season at 18/1 off a mark of 116 and runs in the race this season off only 3lb higher. He saves his best for Navan on both the flat and hurdles and ran well to finish 4th here in October on the flat when beaten only five lengths at the finish.

The eight-year-old disappointed on his previous start at Naas but Lord Erskine looks a big price back at Navan in this race with five places on offer.