TIME TO HIT THE TOPP
LORD TOPPER (3.35) looks a cut above for in-form Jamie Snowden in the April Handicap Hurdle at Ludlow.
The gelding has shown some respectable form during his relatively brief career and recorded a personal best over timber when second to Guerilla Tactics at Warwick in September.
The eight-year-old can reward his shrewd trainer’s decision to save him for the better ground.
Henry Oliver’s TODAY
PLEASE (2.35) can shade a trappy-looking two-mile handicap chase.
The eight-year-old caught the eye when chasing home Ulis De Vasey at Southwell in February and can go one better. Cover your expenses with
HEY BILL (3.05) in the feature HR Smith Group Chase.
Graeme McPherson’s gelding has hit form recently and will relish stepping back up to three miles after his good second to Clondaw Westie at Huntingdon. The Gloucester handler can double up with PERSHING MISSILE (4.05) in the novices’ hurdle.
Fair in Ireland the gelding stayed on well for second over two miles on his debut for his new connections at Hereford and can build on that up in trip.
More decent Jump action at Exeter where TARA WELL (2.15) can kick off a good day for Robin Dickin. The mare shaped like her turn was near when runner-up to Agent Louise at Uttoxeter and can strike thanks to James Nixon’s 7lb claim.
The Warwick trainer can also take the novices’ chase with
DONTMINDDBOYS (3.50). Highly consistent, the grey bagged his third win of the campaign at Towcester last time.
MIN (5.30) can enhance Willie Mullins’s title prospects by beating his stablemates in the Punchestown Champion Chase.
The classy gelding has been second in both the Champion Chase and Melling recently and can claim a well-deserved Grade 1 success of his own today.
MONALEE (6.40) is tough to oppose in the Champion Novices’ Chase. Henry de Bromhead’s rising star beat all bar the brilliant Presenting Percy in the RSA at the Festival and can make his class tell.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Veracious will miss the 1000 Guineas a week on Sunday due to a training setback.