Friday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Nolton Cross is respected back over this course and distance but Stall 11 is a worry and preference instead goes to HEATHEN (best priced at 9/4) who is drawn in Stall 1. The five-year-old has shown improvement since joining the David O’Meara stable with a win and a second over this course and distance from his two runs for the yard.

Heathen won easily by four lengths on his stable debut off a mark of 84 before finishing 2nd by a head behind Oneforthegutter last time off a mark of 80. The pair pulled three lengths clear of the third that day so the handicapper has raised him 2lbs but he instead runs here from 2lbs “well in” at the weights. Hector Crouch replaces 3lb claimer Mark Winn and he should prove hard to beat.

Despite not winning at Southwell, MAN ON A MISSION (best priced at 10/3) has shown good form here in the past and is interesting in first time blinkers. The five-year-old has form figures of 5423232 at the track including when only beaten a length over this course and distance on her penultimate start.

Man On A Mission slightly disappointed last time at Lingfield but was only beaten two lengths at the finish and he now drops from a 0-68 Class 5 handicap back into Class 6 company in this 0-58 handicap. Hollie Doyle is on board for the first time and I expect him to get back to winning ways in this race.

SUNDAY SOLDIER (best priced at 2/1) was an impressive seven length winner on her handicap debut and she should hold strong claims of following up despite a 14lb rise in the weights. The David Killahena & Graeme McPherson trained six-year-old placed in two bumpers for Fergal O’Brien before finishing midfield in three maiden/novice hurdles for this yard over intermediate trips.

Connections dropped Sunday Soldier down to 2 miles for her handicap debut where she won easily by seven lengths after 111 days off the track. A 14lb higher mark is justified and she should prove hard to beat with Richie McLernon retaining the ride.