Monday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive 0-58 handicap but preference goes to the Stella Barclay trained DANZART (best priced at 11/2) who got back to winning ways last time at Thirsk. That was only the five-year-old’s second career success but there was no fluke about it. The gelding was settled in rear by Sam James before making good late headway to win going away by 2 ¾ lengths in a 20 runner handicap nine days ago.

The handicapper has raised Danzart 9lb up to a mark of 55 for that easy victory which is fair and it is worth noting that his previous victory came off a mark of 71 in May 2021 so he is still well handicapped on old form. Sam James retains the ride and based on his running style last time, this step up to 7f shouldn’t inconvenience him.

This looks to be between last time out winners City Streak and PILLAR OF HOPE (best priced at 9/2) with preference going to the latter who has proven course form. The Charlie Johnston trained five-year-old won over this course and distance in September off a mark of 82 and now runs in this race off the same mark.

Pillar Of Hope had previously struggled off higher marks following his victory here last season but bounced back to form with a victory at Beverley last month off a mark of 80 from a good yardstick in Crownthorpe. The handicapper has raised him 2lbs for that victory which is fair and I expect him to run well with four places on offer.

The well-bred Dukeman is respected on his handicap debut but preference goes to last year’s winner STRAWMAN (best priced at 9/2) who looks well handicapped on his return to this venue. The Gemma Tutty trained six-year-old defied odds of 22/1 to win this race last season off a mark of 82 before running well to finish a close 3rd by 1 ¼ lengths off a mark of 83 over this course and distance in September.

Strawman ran well to finish 3rd on his reappearance at Ripon off a mark of 82 before struggling at York last time. That has meant he has dropped down to a mark of 81 for this race and he should hold strong claims with Connor Beasley taking back over on board.