Steve Ryder is back with three horse racing tips for today's action.
12:05 Leopardstown
The likes of Ethical Diamond, Ndaawi and Intellotto are respected on their hurdling debuts but LARK IN THE MORNIN (best priced at 15/8) sets a high standard based on his debut 2nd behind Mighty Bandit. That rival may have disappointed yesterday in a Grade 2 but he suffered nasal discharge so that can be excused. The form had previously looked strong with the third Harsh winning on his next start by eight lengths and the fourth Pacini winning by over six lengths on his next start.
Both of those rivals were over seven lengths behind Lark In The Mornin that day and this 93 rated flat performer should prove hard to beat if repeating that effort.
13:10 Leopardstown
With both Dysart Dynamo and Saint Roi disappointing on their reappearances and Gentleman De Mee often needing his first run of the season, this looks to be between Captain Guinness and DINOBLUE (best priced at 15/8). Preference goes to the latter who is only rated 7lb inferior but gets a 7lb sex allowance in this race. The Willie Mullins trained six-year-old has form figures of 1222111 over fences including when beating Fil Dor in a Grade 3 Chase on her reappearance at Naas. That rival went on to finish 2nd behind El Fabiolo to boost the form and this race should set up well for her.
Captain Guinness is a two-time Grade 2 winner but has been beaten in eleven Grade 1s in his career and is also 0/4 at Leopardstown. He looks vulnerable to an improver and Dinoblue fits that profile.
13:55 Kempton
This looks to be between Master Chewy and NICKLE BACK (best priced at 11/10) with preference going to the exciting Sarah Humphrey trained seven-year-old. He won his first two starts over fences by a combined distance of 43 lengths at Warwick and Stratford before finishing 2nd behind Hermes Allen in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury last time.
Nickle Back is a free-going front runner over 2m4f who should be well suited by this drop in trip to 2 miles. He is rated 7lbs higher than Master Chewy and he should prove hard to beat with James Best retaining the ride.
