Sunday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

The 123 rated PRARIE DANCER (best priced at 6-4) sets the standard in this maiden hurdle and he should prove hard to beat on his return to a right-handed track. The four-year-old gained lots of experience on the flat before running well on his five starts over hurdles. He has twice placed at Fairyhouse including when 2nd behind Icare Allen in the Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle in February.

Prarie Dancer finished midfield in the Boodles Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but wasn’t helped by jumping right-handed that day so this return to a right-handed track will definitely suit him well. Connections fit him with first time cheekpieces and if that brings about any improvement then he should prove hard to beat. His main market rival Evergreen And Red is rated 4lbs lower than the selection but races off level weights so I expect Prarie Dancer to get off the mark on his sixth attempt over hurdles.

The Denis Hogan trained WILD HUNT (best priced at 7-1) was given a lot to do by an inexperienced 7lb claimer last time over this course and distance and I expect him to run well with Denis Hogan back on board. The five-year-old had previously won twice at Clonmel and Down Royal by seven lengths and four lengths before finishing only 1 ¼ lengths behind Nell’s Well last time over this course and distance.

The handicapper has raised Wild Hunt 3lbs for that effort which is fair and he should run well with up to six places available in this race.

There is no doubt that Galopin Des Champs is the one to beat in this Grade 1 Boylesports Gold Cup Novice Chase but I think MASTER MCSHEE (best priced at 6-4) is overpriced in the ‘without Galopin Des Champs’ market. Paddy Corkery’s stable star has been really consistent over fences so far this season with form figures of 3122 with defeats coming behind Cheltenham festival winners Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs. It was slightly disappointing that he was beaten by Sizing Pottsie at Navan last time but that was over an inadequate 2 miles and he will be much better suited by this trip of 2m4f.

I would have my concerns about Riviere D’Etel over this trip, Beacon Edge has to bounce back from a below par effort at Cheltenham and Blue Sari has to prove himself in this grade over fences so I think Master McShee is the solid option and think he will follow the favourite home.