Tuesday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

The Iain Jardine trained TOKARMORE (best priced at 10/3) won twice last year over fences off marks of 89 and 97, and she should hold strong claims over hurdles off a mark of 96. The ten-year-old bounced back to form last time when returned to hurdles at Hexham when she was only beaten 2 ½ lengths off a mark of 94.

The handicapper has raised Tokaramore 2lbs for that effort up to a mark of 96 but that has been justified as the winner Johnson’s Blue has won again since off an 8lb higher mark. Jockey Ailsa McClung reported that she stumbled badly during the race so her effort last time can be upgraded and I expect Tokaramore to prove hard to beat in this race.

The James Fanshawe trained ISOLA ROSSA (best priced at 7/4) has been in consistent form recently with form figures of 21234 and she should hold strong claims at this track. The four-year-old’s two victories have both come at Lingfield including in a C&D fillies’ handicap in November off a mark of 79.

Isola Rossa made an encouraging reappearance last time following a 74 day break but found the 7f too sharp so this step back up to a mile will suit her well. Connections have booked William Buick for the ride which is a positive and she should run well from Stall 5.

The Michael Butler trained OPTICAL CONFUSION (best priced at 4/1) won this race last season off a mark of 111 and despite now racing off a 14lbs higher mark, he should give a good account. The ten-year-old won this by six lengths last season under Luke Dempsey and connections have now booked 7lb claimer Daniel Holden for the ride.

Optical Confusion arrives in this race following two good runs when last seen with two runner-up efforts at Sligo and Gowran Park off marks of 122 and 123. He runs here off a career high mark of 125 but should run well if he is fit enough following 213 days off the track.