2:05 County Hurdle

This race takes a very good horse to win and I think Montbazon has a decent chance of fulfilling his potential from 2 years ago, when he ended his novice season with a very good 4th in the Supreme. To my eye he travelled well in the betfair before getting tired towards the end, which is understandable after 2 years off and very soft ground. His mark looks well within his grasp and 25/1 make the risk of a somewhat unknown quantity worth taking.

1 Point EW 25/1 5 Places Various

5:15 Grand Annual

Gutted to be even bothering to look at this race as I was sure I had the winner already sorted in Tataniano (who may be running tomorrow). Astracad looks the value here with plenty of good form on good ground over 2 miles here and looks sure of giving a good account of himself. He will need to improve to have a chance of winning this but is only 7 and that may be possible. 33/1 simply too big with 5 places in Stan James and his chances here of getting into the 5 are huge

2 Points EW Stan James 5 places 33/1

2:40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

I was looking at Briar Hills races this morning and spotted one making ground quickly at the end of his last race, looked it up and he is also here today over the longer trip that will surely suit. Very Wood could well improve here and although he really should be winning this 50/1 EW is too tempting. He has solid looking form overall and is worth a small gamble at those odds.

1 Point EW 50/1 Various

4:40 Martin Pipe

Very difficult race to find the winner here, so I’m going to go with consistency. Local Hero has been running well lately on unsuitable soft ground and although this is a step up in trip for him that may suit him judging by the way he generally finished his races. He will love the quick ground and could well be flying at the finish here. He is worth the risk at 33/1 with 5 places.

1 Point EW 33/1 5 Places Various