Steve Ryder runs through the key races on 3rd February and names his best bets for the day.
13:00 Punchestown
There is jumps racing at Carlisle, Southwell and Punchestown on Monday 3rd February while Wolverhampton stages an all-weather meeting this evening.
Today’s Best Bets from Steve Ryder
With doubts now surrounding last year’s winner Coko Beach, it may be worth taking a chance on THREE BY TWO (best priced at 13/2) despite running from here with an official rating of 95 over fences. Beaten only 2 3/4 lengths by Stumptown here in the Risk Of Thunder Chase, she ran well to finish 5th at Cheltenham from out of the handicap.
With four places widely available, Three By Two looks sure to run well in receipt of weight from her rivals.
15:30 Carlisle
The Tim Vaughan trained KALIUM (best priced at 5/2) has looked progressive in his three starts over hurdles and can defy an opening handicap mark of 121. The five-year-old cost £100,000 following an impressive bumper victory in Ireland before finishing 2nd on his hurdling debut at Ludlow.
Kalium has won his previous two starts including under a penalty at Fontwell when making all under Alan Johns. Proven on soft ground, he should prove hard to beat off top weight.
16:00 Carlisle
Last year’s winner BREEZE OF WIND (best priced at 7/1) has been running well in better races and he should appreciate this drop down in grade. The Stuart Coltherd trained eight-year-old justified favouritism winning this race last season off a mark of 96 before winning off a mark of 103 at Hexham in March.
Breeze Of Wind has finished 4th on his previous two starts in Class 4 handicaps but has now been dropped 2lbs down to a mark of 105 for his return to Class 5 company. He should run well with up to five places available.
