Monday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

With a rating of 116, Calico will no doubt prove popular with punters but preference instead goes to ALMUHIT (best priced at 4/1) who made an encouraging hurdling debut at Leopardstown 20 days ago. The Denis Hogan trained four-year-old was previously a high class flat horse for Shadwell when trained by John Gosden who was rated 92 at the end of last season.

Almuhit was sent off an unfancied 20/1 shot on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown but ran well in first time cheekpieces to finish a never nearer 6th. Calico no doubt sets the standard on hurdles form but a record of 0-8 over hurdles is a concern and I expect Almuhit to prove hard to beat.

This looks a competitive handicap hurdle but preference goes the Tony Martin trained NEMEAN (best priced at 14/1) on his handicap debut off bottom weight. The four-year-old was rated 77 on the flat when trained by Johnny Murtagh despite not winning and he looks well handicapped based on that evidence.

Nemean was sent off 100/1, 200/1 and 150/1 when beaten 31, 30 and 35 lengths respectively in three maiden hurdles and the handicapper has given him a rating of 92. He runs here 5lbs out of the handicap but he could make a mockery of this mark and he should run well with five places on offer.

The Patrick Flory trained VERDANT PLACE (best priced at 15/8) was a huge eyecatcher on his handicap debut and he looks a typical JP McManus improver. The five-year-old was given a waiting ride by Mark Walsh at Punchestown before making good late headway to finish a closing 3rd by two lengths.

The handicapper has raised Verdant Place 3lbs for his latest run where he appreciated the step up in trip and I expect him to get off the mark in this race under Simon Torrens who will no doubt ride him more prominently.