Following a 3/1 (20p R4) winner yesterday, Steve Ryder is back with three selections for today's action.
12:10 Newbury
The Paul Nicholls trained GRIVETANA (best priced at EVS) has finished runner-up in her two starts this season but she looks to hold strong claims back against her own sex in this race. The four-year-old finished 2nd on her reappearance behind Herbiers when markedly weak in the market before finishing a close 2nd behind First Street over this same course and distance a month ago.
That run came off a mark of 121 and the handicapper has only raised Grivetana 1lb for that run. First Street is well fancied for the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle tomorrow so that shows the value of the form and this represents a drop in class into a Class 3 0-125 mares’ handicap hurdle. Amelias’ Dance looks the biggest danger but I will be disappointed if Grivetana is beaten.
13:30 Lingfield
VISION OF HOPE (best priced at 15/8) was a winner for us nine days ago on her handicap debut and she should prove hard to beat off only a 3lb higher mark. The daughter of Mastercraftsman had been outpaced over a mile and 7f on her first three starts in maiden/novice company but improved for a step up in trip to win by ½ length over 1m4f on her handicap debut.
Vision Of Hope not only benefitted from the step up in trip but also the application of a hood and tongue tie combination. Those are retained here and she should be able to follow her recent success off only a 3lb higher mark.
14:32 Punchestown
This looks a competitive handicap hurdle but preference goes to the Eamon Sheehy trained CAPTAIN CONBY (best priced at 11/2) who has run well on both of his starts so far this season. The five-year-old showed strong form last season with a 3rd placed finish in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Thurles before falling when still in contention at the second last at Aintree in a Grade 1 novice hurdle.
Captain Conby finished 2nd on his reappearance at Fairyhouse before finishing 3rd behind Shewearsitwell at Punchestown in a handicap hurdle last time. He travelled best of all over the 3 mile trip that day but just failed to stay the trip so this drop back down to 2m4f should suit him well. Shewearsitwell has boosted the form since with an impressive victory over Queens Brook at Leopardstown in a Grade 3 and I expect Captain Conby to run well off only a 1lb higher mark with up to six places available.
