Steve Ryder is back with three selections for today's racing.
12:20 Warwick
With a rating of 123 already achieved over hurdles, the Ian Williams trained SAINT RIQUIER (best priced at 6/5) should prove hard to beat if replicating his latest run in a Grade 2. The three-year-old won on the flat for Mikel Delzangles in France before finishing fourth on his hurdling debut at Ludlow in October. He then finished 2nd behind Twilight Twist at Huntingdon on his next start with that rival boosting the form by finishing 2nd to Too Friendly on his next start under a penalty.
Saint Riquier outran odds of 50/1 to finish 2nd in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle trial at Cheltenham last month behind Knight Salute despite not jumping well and a repeat of that effort will see him get off the mark over hurdles at the fourth attempt.
13:35 Taunton
The favourite Lime Drop is 7lb “well in” at the weights in this race but preference instead goes to the Jane Williams trained FOLLY GATE (best priced at 3/1) who ran well to finish 2nd last time. That run came over this course and distance where he was only beaten 1 ¾ lengths by the Milton Harris trained Mi Laddo. That rival has finished 2nd on his next two starts and is now rated 8lb higher so Folly Gate looks well handicapped off only 2lb higher.
Paddy Brennan is an interesting jockey booking for his first ride for the yard and I expect Folly Gate to run well and hopefully upset the favourite.
14:40 Taunton
This looks a competitive 0-130 handicap hurdle but preference goes to the Alastair Ralph trained OSPREY CALL (best priced at 5/1) who looked to be travelling comfortably when coming down at the third last on his handicap debut last time. The six-year-old was well supported that day into 7/4 favourite to make a winning reappearance off a mark of 122 but fell when making a move 3 out.
Osprey Call had previously ran well in three novice hurdles last season and he looks the type to progress well in handicaps this season. He raced keenly last time in a six runner race so he should be better suited by this bigger field and I expect him to run well with Sean Bowen taking over from Alex Edwards.
