Monday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive 0-105 handicap chase but preference goes to CHRIS COOL (best priced at 7/2) in the hope that cheekpieces work for a second time. The Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero trained seven-year-old had disappointed so far this season but appeared to be revitalised by first time cheekpieces here last time over three miles.

Chris Cool was given an aggressive ride that day over three miles and just weakened into 2nd late on so this drop in trip to 2m5½f should suit him well. The handicapper has amazingly dropped him 4lbs for his last run and I expect him to prove hard to beat for this in-form stable. 

The Tony Martin trained FIRSTMAN (best priced at 2/1) has improved 30lbs on the flat since his previous start over hurdles and as a result he looks extremely well handicapped on his return to hurdling in this race. The six-year-old finished well beaten in maiden hurdles last year but has since had form figures of 612214441122 on the flat meaning his rating has improved 30lbs from a mark of 58 to 88.

Firstman makes his handicap debut over hurdles in this race off an opening mark of 94 over hurdles and I expect him to prove hard to beat with Liam McKenna claiming a further 2lbs.

This looks a winnable 0-65 handicap and I willing to take a chance on the Richard Fahey trained BLUE YONDER (best priced at 17/2) on his return from a 233 day break. The three-year-old ran well at Hamilton on his second start when he finished 3rd at Hamilton which makes his opening mark of 65 look lenient on his handicap debut.

Blue Yonder now switches to handicaps on his AW debut and I am hoping that we will see an improved effort following his winter break. Jack Garrity, who rode him on his debut, takes back over on board and he looks worth taking a chance on at the prices.