Steve Ryder is back with three selections for today's action.
13:00 Southwell
The Oliver Greennall trained ECOSSAIS (best priced at 4/1) is unbeaten in his three starts at Southwell and should hold strong claims of repeating last years victory in this race. The eight-year-old won off marks of 97, 105 and 109 last season at this course and is now rated 1lb lower for the race this year.
Ecossais finished 2nd at Fakenham in December off a mark of 109 when only beaten 3 lengths before pulling up last time at Bangor when never really travelling having been hampered by a faller at the first fence. 7lbs claimer Toby Wynne rides him for the first time but he has looked talented so far this season and comes into the race following of a victory at Ludlow on his previous ride.
15:45 Leopardstown
The Philip Rothwell trained SIBERIAN STAR (best priced at 4/1) bolted up in a handicap chase here in December and should hold strong claims off only 1lb higher on his return to hurdling. The seven-year-old won by 11 lengths over 2m5f here last time in impressive style taking his record at Leopardstown to 2/2. He had previously won this race last year over this course and distance over hurdles off a mark of 92 so he should handle conditions well.
Siberian Star runs off a mark of 100 which is only 1lb higher than his impressive win in December and he should prove hard to beat if in the same form following a 68-day break.
16:40 Wetherby
The Christian Williams trained MOTOWN LAKE (best priced at 6/4) got off the mark last time in first-time cheekpieces and should hold strong claims off only a 7lb higher mark. The six-year-old was well beaten on his first three starts over hurdles when sent off 50/1, 80/1 and 200/1 but bolted up in a handicap chase last time off a mark of 80 by nine lengths.
Motown Lake won easily last time under Jack Tudor but Nick Schofield who rode him on his first four starts for the yard takes back over and he should prove hard to beat if repeating the form of his latest run 23 days ago.
