Friday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Insurrection was an impressive winner on his hurdling debut but preference instead goes to Southoftheborder (best priced at 5/4) who is unbeaten in his career and has the benefit of course form. The Nicky Henderson trained five-year-old won an Irish PTP for Derek O’Connor before winning a Ffos Las bumper by three lengths on his first start for Nicky Henderson.

Southoftheborder won over 2 miles here on his hurdling debut on soft ground staying on well at the finish shaping like this step up in trip to 2m4f would suit. He is proven on the ground and at the course and I expect him to remain unbeaten.

The Jim Boyle trained Classic Anthem (best priced at 11/2) has run well to place on both of his hurdling starts and he now makes his handicap debut off an opening mark of 114. The five-year-old finished 2nd by 2 ¼ lengths to the 132 rated Father Of Jazz on his hurdling debut who has won twice since that race in May. He then finished 3rd behind Southoftheborder last time over this course and distance and that rival is favourite for the Grade 2 novice hurdle earlier on the card.

Classic Anthem has been given an opening mark over hurdles of 114 which seems lenient and he should run well with up to four places available.

This looks a competitive 0-78 handicap but preference goes to recent course and distance winner Hortzadar (best priced at 6/1). The David O’Meara trained eight-year-old was making his first AW start in his 60 race career last time when he beat his better fancied stablemate Star Shield by a neck.

The handicapper has raised Hortzadar 2lbs for that victory which seems lenient and it is significant that he made his challenge on the unfavoured far side of the track. He is drawn in Stall 9 in this race which should mean he can race closer to the near side rail and Mark Winn claims 3lbs which negates his rise in the handicap.