Friday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive 0-70 handicap but preference goes to STORM FOX (NAP) (best priced at 15/8) who runs here from 5lbs “well in” at the weights. The Tim Easterby trained three-year-old finished a neck 2nd at Redcar 11 days ago off a mark of 61 when the pair pulled 2 ¾ lengths of the third.

The handicapper has raised Storm Fox 5lbs for that run but she runs here off her previous mark of 61 meaning she is 5lbs “well in” at the weights and she should prove hard to beat in first time cheekpieces.

Zous Baby, Wedgewood and HAVANA HEAT (best priced at 9/4) were all beaten favourite last time but preference goes to the latter who gets to run here from 4lbs “well in” at the weights. The Charlie Hills trained three-year-old finished a head 2nd on his handicap debut at Lingfield off a mark of 46 on his first run since being gelded with that run coming from 1lb out of the handicap.

The handicapper has raised Havana Heat 4lbs for that run up to a mark of 50 but he instead runs here off his previous mark of 46 meaning that he is 4lbs “well in” at the weights. If he handles the switch to turf then I expect him to prove hard to beat.

The Clare Hobson trained HONNEUR DE SIVOLA (best priced at 3/1) outran odds of 11/1 to finish a good 2nd on his chasing debut last time and he should prove hard to beat off the same mark. The six-year-old had previously finished well beaten in three maiden hurdles at Market Rasen, Plumpton and Warwick but used his experience of running in four PTP races to show improvement on his chasing/handicap debut last time.

The handicapper has raised Honneur De Sivola 3lbs for that run up to a mark of 94 but he instead runs off his previous mark of 91 meaning that he is 3lbs “well in” at the weights. If he can repeat his run from 11 days ago then he should prove hard to beat in this race.

Both Zoukster and Freetodream are respected following wins last time but I am willing to take a chance on COMMISSION (best priced at 20/1) at a big price on his handicap debut. The Marcus Tregoning trained three-year-old outran odds of 66/1 to finish beaten only 4 ½ lengths at Ascot on his debut before disappointing when sent off 9/4 favourite at Chepstow on his next start. He was given an eyecatching ride at Kempton on his final qualifying run in September when finishing 7th and he is now interesting on his handicap debut.

Commission runs here off an opening mark of 63 on his first run for 261 days where he is also stepped up in trip to 7f for the first time. This looks a tough task on his handicap debut but I am willing to take a chance at a big price.