Architect Thursday Racing Tips

Kim Bailey’s INCA ROSE (best price 11-2) shaped well for a long way on his return when fourth last-time-out over three miles, despite the trip probably stretching his stamina and, from a two-pound lower mark with no concerns regarding fitness this time, the six-year-old looks a big each-way player. 

He’d previously finished runner-up in a pair of novice hurdles and, with the form of each event working out nicely, he must have an excellent chance to run a big race under David Bass. He was only beaten by a horse who is now rated 140-plus on debut, in a bumper, and has mixed it with horses rated 130-plus since, while his neck second to the 145-rated Flash Collonges in his sole start over today’s trip of two-miles, five-furlongs is the standout piece of form. His handicap mark of 115 looks extremely lenient on the balance of that form so there’s a lot to like about him here and he might offer some value against the market principles. 

The Champion Compressors Novices' Handicap Chase, at Warwick, is a wide-open contest to say the least, but the Tom George-trained BANNISTER (best price 12-1) will be in his element under these conditions and could be very difficult to kick out of the frame. 

He returned a dual winner over hurdles for connections last season, who had previously shown good form in France, and improved markedly on his chasing debut sixth when third when last spotted. He’ll need to step up again to feature here, but he’s been dropped three pounds, goes well in the mud, and has the retained assistance of Johnny Burke, who’s ridden him on all starts on British soil over timber. The pair look set to pose a serious threat with improvement forthcoming at a track that should play to his strengths. 

Nicky Henderson’s GRAN LUNA (best price 6-1) has won three of her four starts to date and has been given a really lenient mark on handicap debut with more to come. She won on debut at Newbury on soft ground so conditions, later on, will be no problem and connections bypassed an engagement a few weeks ago presumably in favour of this event in which she has a great chance. I think she’s a good mare, who has done nothing but improve for connections and, with most firms offering four places, she may reward each-way support. 

Olly Murphy’s NICKOLSON (NAP) (best price 6-4) looked to be learning his trade when only beaten a length on chasing debut at Warwick last month to the smart Do Your Job and, with a more assured round of jumping with that experience under his belt, the seven-year-old is the one to beat in the Dave Criddle Travel Handicap Chase and gets the vote to stamp his class on the field. 

He’s been lightly-raced since winning his bumper debut and, despite failing to meet expectations over hurdles, he stuck to his task very nicely when second on last month’s seasonal/chase debut at Warwick. That form is by far the best on offer as the winner is rated in the 140s and a subsequent Grade One winner emerged from that race, too. It’s worth pointing out that he’s very well-handicapped and strikes me as being a horse of reaching greater heights, therefore, he’s worth a decent bet to back up his striking impression last time out and go one better, especially knowing how highly regarded he is by his fantastic trainer.