Wednesday Racing Tips from Architect

I like the look of Jane Williams’ PATAILLE (best price 7/2) who shaped promisingly when third in a Newton Abbot bumper on debut in March and is related to some classy horses. The way he stayed on strongly in the closing stages on debut was eye-catching and connections have wasted no time in sending him over hurdles in this race. His trainer has an impressive 21% strike-rate at this venue and that record can be extended with success with this imposing four-year-old. 

BALLYBLACK (best price 7/2) ran five times over hurdles, winning once and making the frame in his other four starts. He returned a beaten favourite the last two times but was always seen as a chaser in the making and Jeremy Scott is an underestimated trainer in my opinion. An opening mark of 121 is lenient and it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the significant drop in distance. I am quite hopeful about his chances here

CLUAIN AODHA (NAP) (best price 9/4) should have won last time at Warwick on handicap debut and would have done so without a costly error at the final flight when in front. To her credit, however, she rallied gamely to nearly get up in the final strides and the handicapper has taken an essential light view of that performance, only putting her up a couple of pounds. Her front-running style of racing should suit at this venue and she takes a drop in class compared to most of her opponents. She’s my best bet of the day and I’ll be disappointed if she cannot go one better. 

JEREMY PASS (best price 9/2) ended last season on a low note and needs to resume his progress before heading into the wrong direction. However, he has a good record fresh, and the wind surgery could be the catalyst for further improvement here. His second to Lord Accord at Taunton last year is the best piece of form on offer, given the winner bolted up at Cheltenham off a mark of 131 last time. He is down to 129, which is exploitable on the balance of that Taunton form, and ran well on his previous visit to this course when second to the smart Eva’s Oskar. If back to his best, he should have too much natural ability for his five rivals.