Tuesday Racing Tips from Architect

This isn’t a strong-looking maiden of it’s kind and while I respect hurdling debutant Kopa Kilana and grade-dropper Whizz Kid, preference is for the Oliver Greenall-trained MONTE IGUELDO (best price 6-4) who sets a clear standard and should take all the beating on these terms. He was in the process of potentially ending the unbeaten streak of Jungle Jack at Bangor around three weeks ago but for a bad mistake at the second last. The winner is now rated in the 130’s so it’s quite surprising to see this gelding only rated 112 which certainly underplays his ability. In the hope he can keep the late errors at bay, he looks capable of gaining compensation here. 

LADY BOWES (best price 11-4) has produced two creditable placed efforts this term, including when upped to three-miles for the first time back in December and is off the exact same mark here. She only found a subsequent winner too good the last day, while her victory at Hexham has been strongly advertised since. Houston Texas, who was pulled up in that event, subsequently won a competitive chase event off a mark of 110 so her mark of 105 in this sphere remains attractive. Charlotte Jones, who couldn’t claim her five-pounds last time, can take it off here and, with the potential to improve a great deal further on just her second go over a staying distance, the eight-year-old looks a solid contender. 

MARRACUDJA (best price 5-2) was classy in his prime and should be too good for these if able to run anywhere near his mark. The eleven-year-old returned to form with a good third at Hereford last time, where he was marginally behind Cousin Pascal and that horse has subsequently won a good event (beat Bob And Co) so the form has plenty of substance to it. He collected some valuable pots in his time and was even good enough to finish third in the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase a couple of years ago. Obviously, he’s not the force of old, but none of the remainder can boast similar form and it will be disappointing if he can’t prove that he’s still a class above this field and get the better of Pure Vision. 

The price about BARRACK HILL (best price 14-1) seems wrong, who should arguably be favourite, having finished miles clear of Rebels Dawn Rising when third in this race twelve months ago. He was sent off 150/1, but he didn’t appear to travel or finish his race like his price tag suggested and should improve on that with plenty of form between the rules of late to draw upon too. I think he brings the best form to the table and, having been trained for this event again, he makes plenty of appeal with a lot more to come in this sphere.