Steve Ryder Sunday Racing Tips

This looks a weak maiden and preference goes to the Rae Guest trained Cape Columbus (best priced at 6/5). The three-year-old is only rated 66 but his form sets the standard in this race and he should be able to account for the debutant Ex Gratia who looks the biggest danger.

Cape Columbus has placed on both of his starts on the AW including when 3rd at Newcastle in September and 2nd last time at Chelmsford. The son of Acclamation just seemed to hit a flat spot when asked for his effort last time and connections now fit the gelding with first-time cheekpieces which will hopefully aid his finishing effort. Shane Kelly retains the ride and I expect him to get off the mark at the seventh attempt.

This is a competitive 0-109 handicap chase but I expect course winner Beating The Odds (best priced at 5/1) to run well following an encouraging run over fences last time. The eight-year-old won over three miles here in March over hurdles by 2 ½ lengths off a mark of 102 and he looks well handicapped off a mark of 99 over fences.

Beating The Odds finished 3rd at Punchestown over fences 14 days ago when beaten less than three lengths by Glenquin Castle who was completing seven timer in the race. The handicapper has left him on a mark of 99 which seems generous and he should run well with five places on offer.

The Sean O’Brien trained Nell’s Well (best priced at 2/1) improved for a step up to 3 miles last time when landing the Grade 3 Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle at Cork 14 days ago and she should hold strong claims with jockey Mark McDonalgh able to use his 7lb claim in this race.

Nell’s Well has been extremely consistent this season with form figures of 1221 and the handicapper has awarded the mare a new handicap mark of 118 following that victory. She should prove hard to beat if running up to that mark and she remains unexposed over 3 miles.