Steve Ryder Tuesday Racing Tips

Despite a record of 0-9 under rules so far in this career, FREETHINKER (best priced at 3-1) put in a career best performance last time and should prove hard to beat if replicating that form. The six-year-old finished 2nd at Lingfield in November in a race which is working out well and he should hold strong claims off a 2lb higher mark. The winner Malinas Island has won since off a 6lb higher mark by 3 ¼ lengths, the third Imphal has won since and is now rated 7lbs higher and even the fourth Thirtyfourstiches (who was a further 6 ¾ lengths behind the selections) has won off the same mark since and is now rated 2lbs higher.

Charlie Longsdon has booked Lilly Pinchin for the ride in this conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle and I am hoping that Freethinker can get off the mark at the tenth attempt.

Only five runners have been declared for this 0-135 handicap chase but I think it is a good opportunity for GERYVILLE (best priced at 5-1) to get back on track having disappointed on heavy ground last time. The six-year-old was an impressive 12 length winner on his stable debut for Micky Hammond in October when he defied an SP of 40/1 to finish ahead of the favourite Gericault Roque who is now rated 10lbs higher.

Geryville once again performed well on good to soft ground when 2nd at Wetherby on his next start before pulling up at the same course next time on heavy ground despite getting backed into favouritism. He could still be well treated back off a mark of 120 back on better ground and he looks overpriced with Alain Cawley retaining the ride.

The Donald McCain trained DEDANSER (best priced at 7-4) has been raised 5lbs by the handicapper following his 2nd on handicap debut but he should prove hard to beat dropped back into maiden company in this race. The form of that run on Boxing Day has been boosted since by the winner Garincha finishing a close 2nd next time at Chepstow and earning a 3lb rise up to a mark of 117.

Dedanser sets the standard in this race with a rating of 112 and should be able to get off the mark with connections putting first time cheekpieces on the six-year-old. The Donald McCain yard remain in good form with a 31% strike rate in the last two weeks and I expect Dedanser to break his maiden tag in this race.