Wednesday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive 0-105 handicap hurdle but preference goes to the only course and distance winner in the field FOREVER DES LONG (best priced at 3/1). The Philip Hobbs trained seven-year-old got off the mark last time on his eleventh start over hurdles when he won by ¾ length over this course and distance.

10lb claimer Jack Martin rode him well that day in a conditional jockeys’ race and he escapes a penalty in this race so he runs 4lbs “well in” at the weights. His victory last time came in a 0-110 handicap so he actually drops down in grade into this 0-105 handicap and should prove hard to beat off top weight.

The Dr Richard Newland trained THIRTYFOURSTITCHES (best priced at 7/2) is the only horse coming into this race in good form and he should be able to make amends for his fall at the second last flight last time. The seven-year-old has won twice at Fakenham this year off marks of 101 and 103 and looked set to complete the hat-trick last time before falling at the second last.

Sam Twiston-Davies takes over from 5lb claimer Cillin Leonard which will hopefully improve his jumping and I expect him to run well off the same mark of 107.

The Ruth Jefferson trained EDMOND DANTES (best priced at 13/8) looked set to make it 2/2 over fences last time but fell at the 3rd last flight and I am hoping he can get back on track in this race. The six-year-old won on his chasing debut in February after a 66 day break when he beat the hat-trick seeking Radetzsky easily by 2 ¾ lengths.

Edmond Dantes was sent off 5/6 to remain unbeaten over fences last time and he was travelling well in 3rd before falling at the third last fence. Brian Hughes keeps the faith in this gelding and he should prove hard to beat off the same mark.