Friday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Secret Secret could prove popular dropped back in trip but preference goes to the Sue Smith trained PRAIRIE WOLF (best priced at 10/3) who ran well last time in first time cheekpieces. The six-year-old was a two-time bumper winner last season who started off life in handicaps off a favourable mark. The gelding showed improved form last time when a head 2nd at Catterick off a mark of 98 and he should hold strong claims if repeating that form off only a 3lb higher mark.

Prairie Wolf finished 2nd in first time cheekpieces last time in a Class 4 0-120 handicap but he now drops into a Class 5 0-100 handicap off top weight. Thomas Willmott takes off a handy 3lbs and I expect him to prove hard to beat.

Both Vision Of Hope and Zestful are interesting on their hurdling debuts but they will need to run up to a high level to deny PRETENDING (best priced at 11/8) a first victory over hurdles. The Lucy Wadham trained four-year-old was rated 80 on the flat when trained by Sir Mark Prescott and she ran well to finish 3rd on her hurdling debut at Doncaster.

Pretending is higher rated than Zestful (67), Vision Of Hope (63), Never No Trouble (56), Famille Verte (53), Bateau Bay (48), and Lady Hamilton (44) and with that crucial hurdling experience last time she should prove hard to beat under Bryony Frost.

This looks a competitive 0-120 handicap but preference goes to the hat-trick seeking HARD IRON (best priced at 7/4). The Nicky Richards trained seven-year-old was beaten 37, 57 and 31 lengths in three novice hurdles and was given an opening handicap mark of 84 for his reappearance run. He won easily that day by 4 ¼ lengths over 2m3f at Ayr before following up off a 7lb higher mark over the same course and distance a month later. 

Hard Iron returns following an 86 day break and he should be well suited by this step up in trip to 3m1f for the first time. He is now off a mark of 99 and I expect to him to prove hard to beat with Champion jockey Brian Hughes taking over in the saddle.