Following a 8/1 winner yesterday, Steve Ryder is back with three tips for today's action.
13:10 Ffos Las
Imperial Admiral looks a fascinating newcomer for the Kim Bailey yard but preference in this maiden hurdle goes to DEERE MARK (best priced at 6/4) who no doubt sets the standard in this race. The Sam Thomas trained five-year-old beat the now 131 rated Lallygag in a bumper at Hereford in March before running well to finish 2nd on his hurdling debut at Cheltenham in October.
Deere Mark disappointed in the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ Hurdle on his next start but this represents a huge drop in class down to a Class 4 maiden hurdle and I expect him to get off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles.
14:18 Ffos Las
The Jamie Snowden trained SPITFIRE GIRL (best priced at 13/8) finished a head 2nd at Uttoxeter a week ago in a mares’ handicap hurdle and she should hold strong claims of going one better of the same mark. The handicapper has raised her 6lbs for that effort as they pulled 12 lengths clear of the third but she gets to run here 6lbs “well in” at the weights.
That was Spitfire Girl’s first attempt over 2m4f where she appeared to benefit for the step up in trip and she is interesting upped further in trip to 3 miles for this race. She has had a wind operation since her latest run and I expect her to go one better in this race.
14:33 Southwell
The topweight THRILLA IN MANILA (best priced at 20/1) looks overpriced dropped in grade now back down to a mark of 60. The Paul Midgley trained six-year-old has form figures of 431 in Class 6 0-60 handicaps in his career including a victory a year ago at Hamilton off this mark. He won at Ayr in September last year off a mark of 64 and despite disappointing on his latest start at Newcastle that was in a Class 5 0-70 handicap.
Thrilla In Manila will appreciate this drop in class and he looks overpriced with Graham Lee on board and four places on offer.
