Thursday Racing Tips from Architect

FANFAN DU SEUIL (best price 5/1) ran well on his return last month and is well-treated at present judged on his previous form to worth strong consideration now that his chances are greatly compromised due to being dropped into a class five for the first time here. 

He has to shoulder top-weight but he’s got the best form in the book and was smart as a juvenile a few years ago, which included a fifth in the Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival off a mark of 136. He’s fallen to a career-low mark of 100 since should strip a lot fitter for his latest effort which came after five months off. This seven-year-old can capitalise on this ease in grade and show his class with an overdue success. 

DESERT FORTUNE (best price 16/1) ran really well when runner-up to Presenting A Queen in a bumper on debut for Christian Williams and while she could only finish fourth to that same rival on hurdles debut, she should improve enough to make an impact here. I thought she travelled and jumped really well on her hurdles debut and looked like posing a threat at one stage until a lack of fitness told. 

That was her first start in six months, so she’s entitled to have improved enormously since and I can’t see why the drop in trip will disrupt her chances, though she does have stamina in her pedigree, so it’s possible Jack Tudor will ride her a little more positive here with fitness now assured. If Milton Harris’ filly Rosy Redrum takes to hurdles, she will be the one to beat, but the former appeals most from a value and each-way point of view. 

ROMEO BROWN (best price 8/1) has done really well since joining this yard, winning three times and turned in a career-best performance in a class two event at Haydock when seeing off a host of subsequent winners and a repeat effort here surely gives him every chance. 

He returned with a close third on his return and while he could only manage sixth at Carlisle last time, the heavy ground was against him, so his run can easily be overlooked. The return to a lot better ground will suit alongside going back up in distance, so a bold bid is anticipated here. 

MAY SONIC (best price 3/1) wasn’t at his best here last time, which most will see as uncharacteristic of him, but that was his first run in five months, so he would have needed the run and it was only last year that he was successful off a four pounds higher mark over course-and-distance. Three of these are making their reappearance, while the other is making his stable/UK debut, so Charlie Hills’ charge gets quite a vote of confidence to put his fitness to good use and capitalise on his reduced mark.