Steve Ryder picks three free racing tip from Sunday's races.
14:15 Cork
Tip 1: Kalypso’chance - 1pt
Best odds of 7/4 available at Ladbrokes while publishing.
The Gordon Elliott-trained KALYPSO’CHANCE (best priced at 7/4) lost his unbeaten record when midfield in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham festival, but he was sent off at only 5/2 that day. Prior to that, he had won a PTP by 13 lengths as well as beating the talented Heads Up by 4 ½ lengths in a listed bumper at Navan.
Despite being beaten at 1/5 on his hurdling debut, Kalypso’chance won the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan on his next start over 2m4f on heavy ground, shaping like this further step up in trip to 3 miles would suit him well. He already looks a leading contender for the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham festival in March and should prove hard to beat.
14:37 Kelso
Tip 2: Nells Son - 0.5pt Each-Way
Best odds of 9/2 available at bet365 during publishing.
The Nicky Richards-trained NELLS SON (best priced at 9/2) beat Matata by a neck off a mark of 144 last year, and he gets to run off the same mark this season. The ten-year-old caught the eye on his reappearance at Carlisle when running over hurdles for the first time since April 2023, and it was notable that day that his usual cheekpieces had been removed.
Nells Son now returns to chasing with that headgear re-applied, and he looks sure to be involved in the finish meeting Matata off 3lb better terms than last year.
Midnite
15:00 Huntingdon
Tip 3: Saint Sam - 1pt
Best odds of 13/8 available at Betfred during publishing.
Last year’s winner, Djelo, is respected, but I am willing to take a chance on SAINT SAM (best priced at 13/8), with the latter likely to get an easy lead in this contest. The Willie Mullins trained eight-year-old has a consistent profile with form figures of 2111222 since contesting a Grade 1 at Punchestown at the end of the 2023/2024 season.
Saint Sam was only beaten ¾ length by Found A Fifty on his final start last season and has also won after 253, 247, 83, 63 and 54 day breaks. He makes his reappearance after a 230-day break this year, and he should prove hard to beat with Harry Cobden taking over on board.
