Down Royal 3.02 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 20 run - Good

 

A big field but not overly competitive and with 6/1 the field some each way value.

 

At the top of the market i fancy NAVY WAVES who had a nice run over an inadequate trip last time but who has proven form at up to 3 miles to get the better of Ar Nos Na Gaoithe, and whilst that one is a big danger, not great place value so we'll side with NAVY WAVES.

 

The likes of Knocknagoran Lady who has shown mild promise, and Cher Tara for Elliott an ex Skelton horse are perhaps under-priced although the former should be running an enhanced place but 15/2 ish looks skinny for both. Millyupdayhilly showed some promise running over at Ayr and was considered as were Walk In The Sea and at bigger prices Tubberfinn Lady.

 

I'm quietly confident though that my top 3 rated will be very competitive here and two others who have been crying out for thi sort of ground are nicely priced in the 16-20/1 range if you want to play enhanced places to the full.

 

With NAVY WAVES my top rated, next pair are LARIAT who is very well handicapped off a mark of 84 with a 7lbs Claimer and a return to good ground whilst already in some consistent form on softer lands very well. RIDEAU CANAL makes a drop back to optimum trip which seems very sensible round this tough track on stamina and with some solid form tending to stay on at this trip, I'll be disappointed if this one is not in the first 4 home at the very least.

 

A couple lurking on those bigger prices are SEASETT who looks well handicapped here despite top weight with wins off marks of 95 and 98 at this trip and a mark of 97 with a good 7lbs Claimer up and DUCE BIGALOW who ran well for a long way last time before fading and who should appreciate this much better ground with a probability of making the top 5-6 home if repeating that last run (MG)

 

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At Fontwell in the 3.47 MILLIES MITE , who won and placed here last Spring (April and May) and who will appreciate the return to better ground is worth bot a small each way today and TRACKING forwards with Course Specialist Marc Goldstein having his only ride on the Card and about due to drop one of his 40-50/1 specials....if not today follow this one through until the start of summer. (Robin)