Architect Sunday Racing Tips

MITCHOUKA (best price 11-1) ended his time with Gearoid O'Loughlin on a low-key note and while this is his cross-country/stable debut, he’s the clear second-highest rated in the field (only rated 2Ib lower than Tout Est Permis) and rated 8Ib higher than favourite Shady Operator, so he looks a tad overpriced at the morning odds. He hasn’t run for 198 days but that shouldn’t be an issue given his good record fresh and Keith Donoghue, who reads this course very well, takes the ride. He has the ability to be a serious force in this sphere and, barring accidents, he should go well.

The Grand National trial is likely to provide a chunk of clues in terms of potential market movers for the Grand National itself later in April. Gordon Elliott is responsible for four of the thirteen entrants with the pick of them being the former classy novice DEATH DUTY (best price 17-2). The eleven-year-old was a high-class chaser/hurdler in his youth, including when striking twice at the highest level and, while it hasn’t been easy for him since, with multiple setbacks, there has been enough signs that he isn’t quite done with the game yet. He was a creditable sixth in the Porterstown Handicap Chase on his only previous try over a marathon distance and has also run well in two subsequent starts, including when seventh in the Thyestes last time. He’s been limited to just two starts in over a year but now that his issues are firmly behind him, he looks well-treated and the presence of Jack Kennedy in the saddle, who had the choice of all four in the race, adds a bit more confidence. With the four places generally on offer, he could be the each-way answer to this highly-competitive event.