Steve Ryder Wednesday Racing Tips

The three previous winners look the ones to concentrate on in this race and preference goes to the Warren Greatrex trained ABUFFALOSOLDIER (best priced at 4-1) who has had the form of his latest victory boosted by the runner-up. The five-year-old won a Southwell bumper in December by ½ length before making a winning hurdling debut at Wincanton last month.

Abuffalosoldier took a keen hold that day upped in trip to 2m3f but jumped well throughout the contest to win by ¾ length from Plenty Of Time. The pair pulled 17 lengths clear of the third that day and the runner-up has boosted the form by winning her next start by 9 ½ lengths. Brian Hughes takes over from Henry Brooke and he should prove hard to beat.  

The Dan Skelton trained SHANNON BRIDGE (best priced at 9-2) shows his best form at Wetherby in headgear and he is now starting to look well handicapped. He won over this course and distance in January 2021 off a mark of 128 by 5 ½ lengths in first-time blinkers before following g up at Ascot off a 5lb higher. The handicapper raised him 7lbs up to a mark of 140 but he has gradually dropped back down the ratings following four runs without headgear on this season.

Connections appeared to have targeted the race he won last season but he could only come 3rd off a mark of 131 under David England. Harry Skelton now takes back over off a 2lb higher mark which means he is only 1lb higher than his course and distance victory last season and he should run well.

The Sheila Lavery trained SUMMIT STAR (best priced at 4-1) was in good form when last seen at this course in December and she should run well if in the same form following a 63-day break. The four-year-old won over this course and distance off a mark of 65 in November before finding 1m4 too far on her next start when 2nd off a mark of 73.

Summit Star now drops back down in trip to 1m2f for this race which looks a good move and she should hold strong claims off only 1lb higher from a good draw in Stall 3.