Steve Ryder is back with a packed Saturday card, targeting Newbury and Fairyhouse.
14:15 Newbury
Tip 1 – 2:15 Newbury – INDEMNITY – 1pt
This is a fiercely competitive renewal of the Gerry Feilden Handicap Hurdle, but preference goes to INDEMNITY. The Emma Lavelle-trained five-year-old won his first three starts in handicap hurdles prior to finishing 2nd by three lengths behind Alexei at Ascot last time.
Alexei went on to win the Greatwood Hurdle by six lengths and is now rated 20lbs higher than his Ascot victory. Indemnity runs here off just 1lb higher. He also finished 2nd on heavy ground on the flat, so the soft ground shouldn’t be an issue. Looks the one to beat.
15:30 Fairyhouse
Tip 2 – 3:30 Fairyhouse – PREMIER DIVISION – 1pt
Gordon Elliott and Patrick Mullins have a strong record when teaming up, and the debutant PREMIER DIVISION looks the most likely winner of the concluding bumper.
Patrick Mullins rides this well-bred four-year-old, out of a half-sister to 135-rated Rathhill and 125-rated listed bumper winner Vegas Blue. The trainer-jockey combination has a 36% strike rate overall (4-11), which bodes well for a winning debut.
15:35 Newbury
Tip 3 – 3:35 Newbury – GENERAL MADRANO – 1pt
GENERAL MADRANO won this race last season by nine lengths and should hold strong claims of repeat success off an 8lb higher mark. The Emma Lavelle-trained eight-year-old was only beaten 1¾ lengths at Doncaster in January off a mark of 141 and runs here off 139.
He travelled best of all on his reappearance at Ascot and should step forward from that effort. Expect him to pounce late under Ben Jones.
