Eastlake’s bubbling, dive in!
4.05 RANDOX HEALTH TOPHAM HANDICAP CHASE
Last year’s winner EASTLAKE is 10lb higher but he displayed plenty of verve and enthusiasm in the Grand annual Chase at Cheltenham and could have been brought to the boil nicely for today. I was surprised the selection showed quite so much at the Festival because this afternoon’s event always appeared to be his main objective, but the way he moved into that race suggested he is in very good heart.
Bouvreuil looks the type to enjoy this type of test, with the guarantee of a decent gallop likely to play to the strengths of a horse that travels well and ghosts into its races. BEST BET: EASTLAKE
1.40 ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY HANDICAP HURDLE
JonJo o’neILL has twice won this race with unlikely candidates and MAD JACK MYTTON would certainly fit that bill. the seven-year-old returns to hurdles after coming down two fences out in a strongly run Cheltenham handicap chase won by road to respect. He can make up for another unfortunate spill in this race 12 months ago when still in contention. Hawk High has won two of his three starts here, while thomas Campbell is also respected following a fine Cheltenham run. BEST BET: MAD JACK MYTTON
2.20 CRABBIE’S TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE
supreme novICes’ HurdLe third river Wylde and moon racer, pulled up during an ambitious bid for last month’s Champion Hurdle, could head the market here but both may have to give sway to MOUNT MEWS. malcolm Jefferson trained the winner of this race two years ago and his progressive gelding has been kept fresh for a tilt here, with conditions likely to play to his strengths. the selection boasts high cruising speed and an impressive change of gear. BEST BET: MOUNT MEWS
2.50 BETWAY MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE
TRUSTING MIGHT BITE to deliver at short odds could be the definition of insanity, but the RSA Chase winner is one of the most naturally talented chasers on the planet and should win if channelling his resources correctly. The selection virtually stopped after the last fence at Cheltenham, yet still had the quality to rally and edge out Whisper. Both endured hard races that day and today we will see who has recovered best. BEST BET: MIGHT BITE
3.25 JLT MELLING CHASE
GOD’S OWN jumped waywardly in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, bordering on reckless at times, so in the circumstances he did well to finish just seven lengths behind winner Special Tiara. The selection usually enjoys April and is given a chance to prove last year’s win in this race was no fluke. Fox Norton and Sub Lieutenant should be on the scene, too. BEST BET: GOD’S OWN
4.40 DOOM BAR SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE
The Worlds End crashed out of the Albert Bartlett Hurdle when there was every chance he would have secured a podium position. He has the opportunity to confirm that theory here, but faces stiff competition from Constantine Bay, West Approach and BEYOND CONCEIT, who is one of the more interesting runners. Hooded for the first time, the selection was a decent stayer on the flat, so the step up in trip should suit. BEST BET: BEYOND CONCEIT
5.15 WEATHERBYS PRIVATE BANK STANDARD OPEN FLAT
BLACK OP was well backed at Doncaster on his UK debut and repaid that faith by running out a ready winner at the expense of Claimantakinforgan. Connections paid £210,000 for the Irish point winner last spring and he looked a smart prospect in seeing off a horse who subsequently hit the frame in the Cheltenham bumper. Western Ryder should go well, while Lalor and Point Of Principle could be over-priced outsiders. BEST BET: BLACK OP