Thursday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a weak 0-100 handicap chase and preference goes to TRAC (best priced at 11/10) who is the only horse who has shown any good recent form. The Micky Hammond trained six-year-old won over this course and distance in February off a mark of 84 before following up at Sedgefield on his next start by five lengths off a mark of 93.

Trac pulled up on his reappearance at Wetherby in a Class 3 0-125 handicap but bounced back to form last time when 2nd by 1 ¼ lengths back in a 0-100 handicap at Sedgefield. That came off a mark of 98 and the he should prove hard to beat off only a 1lb higher mark.

This looks a fantastic renewal of the Savills Chase but preference goes to GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (best priced at 2/1) who will be suited by this return to Leopardstown. The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner had looked unbeatable up to that point in his chasing career but had his colours lowered by the reopposing Fastorslow at Punchestown in April. That rival confirmed hat form on their reappearance run in the John Durkan Chase in November but this return to a left-handed track should suit the selection.

Galopin Des Champs is unbeaten in his three chase starts at Leopardstown including when an impressive eight length winner over this course and distance in the Irish Gold Cup last season. I expect him to be ridden more prominently than last time which should help his jumping and he should get back winning ways in this race. 

Pertemps Qualifiers are always a tricky puzzle to work out but FOXY JACKS (best priced at 5/1) looks to hold strong claims in this race. The Mouse Morris trained nine-year-old recorded a huge career best when beating the likes of Latenightpass, Delta Work and Galvin in the Cross Country Handicap Chase in November off a mark of 149. 

Foxy Jacks now runs over hurdles for the first time since October 2022 but he now looks extremely well handicapped racing off a mark of 123 in this discipline. Connections will no doubt be targeting the Cross Country at the Cheltenham festival but he will need to improve his rating of 123 if he wants to contest some valuable 3 mile hurdles later in the season so he should hold strong claims of winning this race.