Tuesday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a weak maiden hurdle and preference goes to the Lucinda Russell trained JEM IN EM (best priced at EVENS) who shaped well on his hurdling debut last month. The five-year-old made a winning debut under rules at Perth in a bumper before finishing midfield in a Cheltenham bumper in October. Connections have wasted no time in sending him over hurdles and he ran well to finish a close 2nd behind Carcaci Castle at Kelso.

The form of that run has been boosted by the winner following up under a penalty at Kelso a week ago and that run from Jem In Em no doubt sets the standard. He stayed on well over two miles on his hurdling debut shaping like this step up in trip to three miles should suit him well and I expect him to get off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt.

Last time out winners Parliament Hill and Diamond State are respected but preference goes to NOTLONGTILLMAY (best priced at 2/1) who won on his stable debut for Laura Morgan last time. The seven-year-old had won a novice hurdle on his final start for Chris Gordon a year ago before joining new connections who have sent him straight over fences.

Notlongtillmay won by a length at Wetherby on his stable/chase debut off a mark of 120 and the handicapper has raised him 4lbs for that victory. That was his first start for 286 days so he is expected to take a step forward for that and hopefully he can win again under Patrick Cowley who takes off a handy 3lbs.

Arthur’s Quay was an impressive eight length winner last time at Catterick but a 7lb penalty will make it harder and preference instead goes to HOLD ONTO THE LINE (best priced at 5/2). The James Ewert trained six-year-old has won all three of his starts in handicaps including two last season over hurdles.

Hold Onto The Line won on his reappearance on his chasing debut over 2m4f here but he showed enough pace to think this 2 mile trip shouldn’t inconvenience him. The handicapper has raised him 5lbs for his short head win last time but the pair pulled nine lengths clear so it looks a strong piece of form. That was his first run since a wind operation and hopefully he can remain unbeaten in handicaps with Brian Hughes retaining the ride.