Monday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Both Blow Your Wad and Swapped are respected having finished 2nd on their hurdling debuts but preference goes to the David Pipe trained LOCK OUT (best priced at 13/2) who went one better on his respective hurdling debut. The five-year-old won a Punchestown PTP by five lengths in May before winning his only bumper start at Newton Abbot in July when sent off a well supported 5/4 shot.

Lock Out won a three-runner novice hurdle at Newbury last time by 5 ½ lengths and despite him having to shoulder a 6lb penalty, I expect him to win his fourth successive race in a row. 

The Gary Moore trained DORKING LAD (best priced at 6/1) faces various unexposed rivals in this handicap chase but I expect him to run up to his rating of 122. The seven-year-old has a consistent profile so far this year with form figures of 211343 in 2022 including when 3rd at this course on his reappearance. 

Dorking Lad stayed on well over the trip of 2m2f last time to finish 3rd shaping like this step back up to 2m4f would suit him better. The handicapper has generously dropped him 2lbs for that effort down to a mark of 122 and I expect him to run well with up to four places on offer.  

The Paul Nicholls trained MIRANDA (best priced at 7/4) receives 6lbs and 4lbs from lesser rated rivals in this listed race and she should prove hard to beat if coping with this step up in trip to 3 miles. The seven-year-old split the reopposing Molly Ollys Wishes and subsequent two-time Grade 1 winner Marie’s Rock on her reappearance last season despite having to give both of those rivals weight. She won a handicap off top weight on her next start before finishing 2nd at both Doncaster in a Grade 2 and Worcester in a handicap hurdle later in the season.

Miranda finished 2nd on the flat last month which will put her spot on for this and I expect her to prove hard to beat in receipt of weight from her rivals with first time cheekpieces fitted.