Wednesday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

The Ryan Potter trained Ithaka (best priced at 6/4) had previously shown very little form before winning easily here last week over hurdles off a mark of 100. The seven-year-old was extremely well backed that day and won easily by 3 ¾ lengths at the finish under 5lb claimer Caoilin Quinn.

The handicapper has raised Ithaka 7lbs for that victory but he now makes his chasing debut off a mark of 100 meaning that he is 7lbs “well in” at the weights. He handles these conditions well and I expect him to prove hard to beat in this race.

Both Cristal Clere and Purple Gown hold strong claims under 7lb penalties but preference instead goes to the Padriag Roche trained Brazil (best priced at 4/1) on his return to the flat. The five-year-old was sent off only 11/1 for the Group 2 Beresford Stakes on his penultimate start on the flat before winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022 beating Gaelic Warrior by a short head.

Brazil won a Grade 3 hurdle earlier this season but now reverts back to the flat in preparation for a run at the Punchestown Festival. With a rating of 142 over hurdles, he should prove well handicapped off a mark of 83 on the flat and he should run well with Seamie Heffernan a good booking.

The Johnny Murtagh trained Theophilos (best priced at 12/1) makes his handicap debut in this 47-65 handicap and I will be surprised if he isn’t rated a lot higher than a mark of 61 later in the season. The four-year-old has form figures of 0760 in maidens last season over a mile when sent off unfancied prices of 33/1, 80/1, 50/1 and 25/1.

The handicapper has given Theophilos an opening rating of 61 which could seriously underestimate him and he has been given plenty of time to improve over the winter following a 200 day break. Neverfindanother U is respected off top weight but he is now rated 8lbs higher for a ½ length success therefore I will take a chance on Theophilos at a bigger price.