Sunday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a poor standard 80-102 handicap hurdle and despite many looking open to improvement, preference goes to Kashi (best priced at 9/2) who is the only horse to bring any worthwhile recent form into the race. The Karl Thornton trained five-year-old finished 2nd by a short head at Fairyhouse in January off a mark of 94 before finishing a two length 2nd at Fairyhouse again last time over 2m4f off a mark of 97.

Kashi looked the most likely winner that day but he just looked to get outstayed over the extra half a mile so this drop back in trip should suit and the handicapper has only raised him 2lbs up to a mark of 99. That is a career high mark for a horse who is 0-10 over hurdles but he won’t find many easier races to break his duck.

The Thomas Mullins trained Scoir Mear (best priced at 14/1) won this race last season off a mark of 135 and should hold strong claims of a repeat victory off a 3lb higher mark. The twelve-year-old is yet to run over fences so far this season so connections obviously think this mark is still within reach for this race and his prep run at Fairyhouse last time was a lot more encouraging.

Scoir Mear finished 5th only beaten four lengths over an inadequate 2m4f and will now enjoy this stamina test on heavy ground on his return to fences. Simon Torrens won the race last year on him, albeit when he was still able to claim, and he should run well with up to five places on offer.