Architect Friday Racing Tips

While he has not proved the most consistent over the past couple of seasons, NORDANO (best price 6-1) has shown on numerous occasions that he is very capable of winning off his mark and has some decent handicap form at this track next to his name, including when winning a class two-event here from a mark of 128 last year, as well as finishing second to Goshen here, too. Those two performances are the key form-lines in this much easier grade, as the five-year-old got back on track when second under a huge weight two weeks ago, and therefore Neil King’s charge is a serious each-way player with four places widely available. 

While I acknowledge both Hometown Hero and Come On Gruff, who hold leading claims, the Amy Murphy-trained KALMOOR (best price 5-1) ran quite well to finish third behind a pair of next-time-out winners on hurdles debut and this gelding by Kalanisi looks capable of at least causing the market leaders one or two problems. He’s a three-parts brother to Grade 1 winner, Kalashnikov, who is also trained by Amy Murphy and left the impression last time that there would come on for the run given it was his first run for seven months. He drops down in grade here with the application of cheek-pieces and, being Jack Quinlan’s only ride and Amy Murphy’s only runner, he could be the each-way value against the big pair in the betting.

THYME WHITE (best price 8-1) shaped encouragingly when second on chase debut on his comeback in which he showed an excellent jumping technique and attitude to force the winner right to the line. He is sure to improve for the outing and he brings the strongest hurdle form to the race, too. This track should play to his strengths and, with that experience under his belt, he looks more than ready to make an even bigger impact here. 

ONE TRUE KING (best price 9-1) deservedly opened his account two weeks ago when showing a good attitude and responding well to headgear under a big weight. I’m surprised to see him trading at such a big price here given the progression he’d made in this sphere. Sam Twiston-Davies is riding at the top of his game too and, having only gone up five pounds, the six-year-old should have more to offer and looks a shade overpriced. 

Not often do I get involved in bumpers but TOP DOG (best price 15-8) who made an eye-catching debut when second at Fairyhouse and backed it up when filling the same position at Cheltenham on debut for this yard, looks a major force in the finale with more to come. His form could hardly be working out any better and the way he cruised through that latest assignment before seemingly throwing the race away when hanging left and getting headed in the final stages, suggests he’s more than above-average for connections. He is likely to get a strong pace to aim at in this similar big field, which will be advantageous to him and therefore this son of Leading Light can make amends in this easier grade with fitness now assured.