Sunday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Papa Cocktail is respected in his bid for a four-timer but I am willing to take a chance on VENTURA FLAME (best priced at 22/1) at a much bigger price. The Keith Dalgleish trained six-year-old was disappointing over this course and distance last time when a beaten favourite but had previously had CD form figures of 7133122.

Ventura Flame finished last of eight last time and despite not having any obvious excuses that day, she looks overpriced at a venue where she had previously shown her best form. Her previous two victories came off a mark of 74 so she looks well handicapped off a mark of 73 with six places on offer.

The Adrian Keatley trained LEGENDARY DAY (best priced at 4/1) won on his only previous start over 2 miles and he should prove hard to beat back up in trip. The five-year-old won on his stable debut over hurdles at Sedgefield in November before winning twice at Newcastle over 1m4f off marks of 77 and 80. He won at Ripon over 2 miles off a mark of 83 in April before running well at both Newmarket and York over 1m6f and 1m4f.

This step back in trip to 2 miles should Legendary Day well and it is interesting that connections now fit him with a first time visor for this race. He drops down in class from Class 2 handicaps into a Class 4 0-85 handicap and he should prove hard to beat off top weight.

Austrian Theory made all at Epsom last time but is likely to face opposition for the lead off 2lbs higher and I am willing to take a chance on AUTUMN FESTIVAL (best priced at 11/1) who has shown his best form at this track. The David O’Meara trained four-year-old has form figures of 121 over this course and distance including a victory in September off a mark of 84 before he followed up with a victory at Musselburgh off a mark of 88 on his final start last season.

Autumn Festival has slightly disappointed on his three starts so far this season but has now dropped back down to a mark of 90 which is only 2lb higher than his previous course and distance victory. Danny Tudhope, who has ridden him on for his previous three victories, is back on board and he should run well with up to four places on offer.