Newland’s hurdler can be our lucky charm

Jimmy Rabbitte (4.10) can have us all bunny hopping to the bookies pay-out counter at Worcester.

The six-year- old faces a stiff test in the handicap hurdle against some decent rivals but I’m putting my faith in the good Doctor Richard Newland.

The handler has had six winners from his last 17 handicap hurdlers here which is over a 30 per-cent strike-rate and would have made you almost a tenner to a level one quid stakes.

Master Universum is a worthy rival but Jimmy had Forever Field a whopping 67 lengths behind two starts ago and the odds are attractive enough to have a go on Newland’s nag.

You are digging around for bets this afternoon because, to be honest, it’s lacklustre fare.

We all love our racing but some of the Sunday cards served up in the UK are awful and it makes no sense to have such poor quality stuff on a day when most working folk can actually go.

Sti l l , a winner’s a winner and BALLYGOWN BOY (4.40) gets my vote in the maiden hurdle.

Irish raider John McConnell should be winning the second contest of the afternoon with superbly- consistent Go Another One but that one is going to be too short to have a real bet.

Make a Switch was also due to be sent over from the McConnell yard for this event but his defection has surely opened the door for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnston to strike. If Ballygown Boy is too short in the market, double him up with McConnell ’s yak for a shortpriced combination instead.

It’s Flat fare at Brighton and two bets are strongly recommended here, too.

THE JEAN GENIE (4.30) was unable to notch up a hat- trick having returned from a lengthy break to come second at Windsor recently.

That was still a bold display and this former course-and- distance winner can get the better of likely market leader Cafe Sydney.

Earlier on the card, CHATHAM HOUSE (3.00) has decent claims in the five-furlong handicap.

Richard Hannon’s horse has been consistent the term and was a good winner two starts ago at Newbury.

The assessor bumped him up 8lb for that effort but a second-placed finish in a big-field event at Newmarket was a fine show under the added burden.

Chatham House is back in calmer waters here and you’d be hopeful of a decent run.

Over in Ireland, there’s competitive fare at Cork and DEIDRA (2.50) has a shout in the fillies’ maiden.

This one steps back in trip having looked speedy when sixth last time at Leopardstown over a longer distance.