Architect Monday Racing Tips

Just the four-runners go to post for the Simon Stacey Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase and, with confirmed pace-setter Sarasota Star amongst the field, the Evan Williams-trained QUOI DE NEUF (best price 15-8) can double his tally over timber. The eight-year-old was the best of these over hurdles, who was fourth in the 2019 Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and built on his promising chase debut with a breathtaking victory here in December. He’s been hit with a ten-pounds rise in the weights but looked to have a lot more in hand than the three-length winning margin indicated as the 130-rated runner-up Nickolson was in trouble a fair way from the finish, whilst the winner was eased down close to home. I think today’s opponents are a little easier based on the ratings and the soft ground won’t hinder his chances, either. I will also add that both trainer/jockey are in great form of late and, despite dropping back in trip, a bold bid is forecast from the top weight, who can make his class count in the latter stages. 

The ultra-consistent LEONCAVALLO (best price 4-1) has been performing really well in top-end handicaps since joining this yard, including with four-placed efforts against deep opposition this term and, with soft conditions very much in his favour, the ten-year-old can deservedly open his account for the campaign for David Pipe and Tom Scudamore. He ran another huge race to finish second to the high-class Soaring Glory on his penultimate outing and once again backed that up with an excellent second off top-weight when last spotted at Doncaster behind a highly-progressive youngster. This is a lot easier and a reproduction of some of his best efforts this season, including his third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his reappearance, should result in a return to the winner’s enclosure for this popular and consistent servant.