Friday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Both Noble Dynasty (course and distance winner) and English Oak (stable in form) are respected ahead of DARK THIRTY (best priced at 11/2) in the market but it was an impressive reappearance victory here over 6f and he should relish this step back up in trip. The Richard Hannon trained four-year-old has shown his best form at both Newmarket tracks with form figures of 32311 including a victory over 7f on the July course and victory here over 6f a fortnight ago off only a 3lb lower mark. 

Bookmakers are offering up to five places on this race and I find it hard to see Dark Thirty out of the places in this race. 

The James Evans trained DREAM COMPOSER (best priced at 15/8) was hampered leaving the stalls at Newmarket last time but shaped well on his reappearance when outrunning odds of 40/1 to finish 5th at Doncaster. The six-year-old won this race last season off a mark of 93 and runs here off 5lbs lower this year with the handicapper dropping him a further 2lbs for his run last time. 

The talented Joe Leavy takes off a handy 5lbs in this race and Dream Composer should prove hard to beat in receipt of over a stone from his main danger Clarendon House.

The lightly raced ten-year-old TACTICAL MOVE (best priced at 11/2) split graded winners Spillane’s Tower and Blood Destiny at Fairyhouse in the WillowWarm Gold Cup and should be competitively handicapped off an opening mark of 145. The Willie Mullins trained gelding has form figures of 2112112 in his career with his only defeats over fences coming behind the now 150 rated Nick Rockett and Spillane’s Tower who won the Grade 1 3m1f novice chase on Tuesday beating Monty’s Star. 

In between those two defeats, Tactical Move won a beginners chase at Gowran Park before winning a Grade 3 novice chase at Naas by three lengths. Danny Mullins rode him last time at Fairyhouse so the fact Paul Townend hasn’t chosen him isn’t a huge negative and he looks sure to run well with up to six places available.