Thursday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

The Nicky Henderson trained BALCO COASTAL (best priced at 12/1) had the form of his Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase 2nd boosted by the run of Gerri Colombe yesterday in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and he looks the obvious each way alternative against the favourite. The seven-year-old overcame a disappointing reappearance run at Newbury to win a competitive Kempton handicap by nine lengths beating Solo who has boosted that form since with a Grade 2 victory.

Balco Coastal finished only 1 ¾ lengths behind Gerri Colombe at Sandown despite jumping left handed and he proved that he handled soft ground with his victory at Kempton. He only has 1lb to find with Appreciate It on ratings and I feel he looks the biggest danger to Mighty Potter who still needs to prove himself at Cheltenham.

The Pertemps Final looks a typically competitive renewal this year but I am willing to take a chance on last year’s 3rd MILL GREEN (best priced at 25/1) who runs in the race this season off the same mark. The Nicky Henderson trained eleven-year-old qualified using the same Haydock race in February where he finished an eyecatching 3rd place. He travelled well into the race that day under Daryl Jacob before weakening late on in his first race for 315 days.

Mill Green finished only 2 ¼ lengths behind Third Wind in the race last season off a mark of 138 before finishing 3rd at the Aintree Festival off a mark of 140. The handicapper has given him a chance by dropping him back down to a mark of 138 and he looks sure to run well under similar conditions with up to eight places on offer.  

Connections of GOLD TWEET (best priced at 11/1) decided to supplement the Cleeve Hurdle winner for this race and I am hoping that decision will be justified. The Gabriel Leenders trained six-year-old was an unknown 14/1 shot when winning over this course and distance in January but it was an impressive performance that would give him a strong chance in this race.

Gold Tweet beat the reopposing Dashel Drasher and Paisley Park by three lengths and 6 ½ lengths respectively when only ridden clear after the final hurdle. Dashel Drasher should ensure it is a test of stamina once again on this ground which should suit the selection and he looks a sold each way bet with up to four places available.

Stumptown looks a worthy favourite for this race on the back of his two victories this year but an 8lb higher mark will make things more difficult and I am willing to take him on with ANGELS DAWN (best priced at 15/2) who was unlucky to fall when still in contention for the Grand National Trial at Punchestown last time. The Sam Curling trained eight-year-old was pitched into strong company on her first two starts when down the field behind Dolcita and Classic Getaway before running well to finish 2nd at Punchestown on her handicap debut off a mark of 118.

Angels Dawn won comfortably on her next start at Down Royal and she was well supported to win the Grand National Trial at Punchestown when unseating Cian Quirke at the 2nd last fence when sent off 15/8. I have no doubt that she would have won that day and she should run well off a 3lbs higher mark in this race if she can avoid jumping mistakes.