Kelso 2.25 - Handicap Hurdle - Series Final - Class 2 - 2 miles 5 furlongs - Good - 16 run

 

I'll start with the favourite I AM MAX who I think is the one they all have to beat here, I think 3-4/1 is a cracking value after a pair of excellent runs and a win would be deserved. 

 

Ballyfort will do well to counter a 9lb penalty and a step up in trip, Fosters Fortune and Sayva have clear chances, Fosters Fortune has built up a decent sequence and Sayva is all about untapped potential so far. Imperial Data is one at a big price who is out of form but who could revive on better ground  but reports of breathing issues last time just put me off this one although it is feared and at around 20/1 another dangerous lurker is Starlyte for the Russell team who has ben freshened up and who has Course and Distance winning form. This one just missed an investment.

 

My other 3 in rating order to follow I AM MAX are ASHINGTON , a Course and distance winner who has worn Cheekpieces to last two wins and sports them again today, wins at 114 and 115, so 119 and a 7lbs claim does not look harsh. HARPER VALLEY has decent Course form, stays the trip well and at double figure Odds looks an excellent each way option. If you wanted a 4th option to 5 places then SINGAPORE TRIP just got the nod ahead of Starlyte, Brian Hughes rides for Mickey Hammond and off the same mark of 109 that saw a good 3rd place over Course and Distance here last April (Northern)

 

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Newbury 3.15 - Mares Novice Handicap Hurdle - Class 1- 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 16 run - Good to Soft

 

The favourite Siog Geal for Fergal O'Brien is upped in trip on handicap debut and may be vulnerable to something with proven stamina. The majority aren't really that compelling with the exception of Rockstown Girl who is interesting; based on a good Chepstow run but who has been off for 3 months. Apart from those; my top 4 were clearly ahead of the rest on Ratings.  

 

JASMINE BLISS was a facile winner last time and visually impressive, she has a Course win too and I don't think a 7lbs penalty will stop her. CRAZIERTHANDAISY is upped just a pind for a nice Warwick win, runs for Henderson with James Bowen up and one of the few whose best form is going left handed. A couple to note for a small investment if you want to optimise the enhanced odds are LA PINSONNIERE another Henderson horse who gets a 7lbs pull for defeat to Jasmine Bliss, I don't think it'll overturn that but should be placing on known form and COME ON NIA at bigger odds whose form at the trip and off this mark are solid but for whom better spring ground is a big plus. (RJ)

 

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Navan 4.30 - Novice Handicap Chase Final - 2 miles 7and 1/2 furlongs - 16 run - Yielding (showers)

 

Canal End heads the market and has shown promise over fences but at shorter trip and despite some Hurles form at this trip might be vulnerable to a more proven stayer. Chigorin has proved a bit frustrating so far for De Bromhead and Blackmore, Elliott runs Western Fold and Big Stage, both would need to improve to figure, but as we know, that's not impossible. At big odds Jasmine De Cotte clearly has an engine but so far the obstacles have got in the way. A summer of schooling may see this one dramatically improve for experience. 

 

My top 4 rated are VERDANT PLACE a Course and Distance winner off marks of 109 and 116, off a mark of 122 looks very solid with any rain a big plus. PRINCE PALACE is clear next best rated a proven Course and distance performer upped 6lbs for consistent form and sure to be thereabouts with a clear round. At a nice each way price is MOUSEY BROWN who has proven stamina, ground conditions perfect, a bit high in the handicap but should give its running and if you want to optimise 5 place betting then the 4th top rated is CHEERFUL CHAP who runs off the bare 10lbs has bundles of stamina and just the type to stay on and on and grab a place at 20/1 sort of odds. (MG)

 

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Bangor On Dee 3.27 - in a race where too many had chances to be overly confident i think that the front running style of JO LESCRIBAA makes it a perfect each way punt, could lead them all a merry dance from the front and may take all the catching. (Robin)  

 

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