Steve Ryder Sunday Racing Tips

This is an intriguing three runner novice chase but preference goes to the Colin Tizzard trained ELIXIR DE NUTZ (best priced at 5/2) despite the current form of his stable. The eight-year-old was previously a high class novice hurdler who won the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in 2019 before only making the track three times over the next two year period. 

Elixir De Nutz returned from 340 days off the track to finish well beaten behind Edwardstone at Warwick in November but stepped forward on that effort last time at Exeter when he only lost by a nose to Gladiateur Allen who fell in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham yesterday when still in contention. He faces two rivals worthy of respect but Nassalam was disappointing last time at this track when beaten 37 lengths and apparently had previously been a doubtful stayer at Newbury over this trip according to jockey Jamie Moore. He looks a bit too short and there are also question marks about Annual Invictus who pulled up last time at Aintree and has to concede 10lbs to the selection. 

Stablemates Hollow Games and GINTO (best priced at 7/4) dominate the market for this Grade 1 contest and preference goes to the former who looks sure to appreciate the heavy ground over this trip of 2m4f. The only defeat of his five-race career so far came when he finished 2nd in a bumper to the reopposing Whatdeawant but he has shown good progression over hurdles so far this season. 

Ginto won a maiden hurdle at Navan by 5 ½ lengths on his reappearance before defeating Eric Bloodaxe by 11 lengths in a Grade 2 last time who has gone on to boost that form with a 7 ½ length victory in a Grade 2 on his next start when upped in trip to 3 miles. Ginto himself looks like he will benefit from a step up in trip in time but this heavy ground should bring his stamina into play and I expect him to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger. 

The Robert Tyner stable are in fantastic form currently with his last four runners all winning and I like the chances of his representative NEVER OFF DUTY (best priced at 6/1) in this race. The lightly raced ten-year-old won a maiden hurdle over this course and distance in 2017 before jumping poorly when sent over fences by connections. 

Never Off Duty now returns from 380 days off the track and it looks a good move to revert him back to hurdling for this race. His only previous victory had heavy in the description so these conditions will suit him well and I expect him to run well with up to five places available.