Architect Thursday Racing Tips

An appealing novices’ hurdle in prospect with the vote going to FORTUNATE FRED (best price 10-1), who might be able to put his valuable experience to good use under Daryl Jacob. The six-year-old did well to place in both bumper starts against some really good horses and was in the process of at least finishing second on hurdles debut when falling at the last when only half-a-length down to the eventual winner, Marine One. The latter won again since and is rated in the mid 130’s so you have to feel as though Fortunate Fred’s has been underestimated here. He was turned over as a short-priced favourite next time but still ran well and the extra yardage here should suit. He’s been off since stable's returners are usually ready to go after a break and, with the three places available, he looks solid material to reach the frame at the very least. 

Nurse Susan was impressive on hurdles debut at Carlisle last month but so too was ZABEEL CHAMPION (best price 15-8), who edged out the former's stablemate over today’s course-and-distance a few weeks ago and can follow-up here. A smart stayer on the flat, who was rated as high as 105, made a winning start to this sphere when seeing off a subsequent winner at this track on hurdles debut. He jumped pretty well for a debutant and knuckled down with great courage to get the job done. He’ll improve a ton from that display so is fancied to give weight to his main protagonist and remain unbeaten over timber. 

The George Scott-trained MISS MULLIGAN (best price 7-2) was smart on the flat and has shaped with a lot of promise in finishing runner-up over hurdles the last twice. She probably would have won last-time-out had she been held onto a little bit longer but she’s clearly improving and connections have found her a winnable opportunity to make amends. Her opening mark of 99 on handicap debut looks really lenient on the balance of her flat form so therefore she clearly has a decent shout at the prices.