2:55 Fairyhouse Tips

Slowly improving over hurdles and ran his best race last time at Punchestown, when sixth in a big-field 17f novice on heavy ground. Better to come and warrants respect.

He has shown ability in demanding conditions, notably a recent fifth place out of 14 runners in Limerick on heavy ground. These are identical conditions to those he will encounter today at Fairyhouse.

I'm not necessarily expecting Sky And Sand to win here (yes, that's right on a tipping site). However, I am looking at prices and, at the moment, the horse seems too high on the exchange. Simple. There are also five places for this if one looks. Good bet. Could come last, could fall, could win. A good bet.

Gunnery Sergeant had a strong winning profile: high strike rate, proven Punchestown form, effective on soft ground, and best when fresh. He showed pace and resolution in maidens, suggesting he was well treated and capable of bossing similar company.

Gallant George ran well at a big price last time out on just its 3rd run. That run was on soft to heavy going and showed promise of better runs to come. It has a first-time tongue tie on today, and even a similar run should see it finish placed in this race.

Promising run over hurdles when having his first run under rules at Leopardstown in December, but never involved in a bumper at today's course last month. Back over obstacles today, tongue-tied and sporting cheekpieces, and stepping up in trip, which might suit given his fair record in points. Could get involved at rewarding double-figure odds.

He ran in the very competitive Tattersalls Bumper on debut, finishing that too difficult before a 10th-placed finish on his hurdles debut. He can improve for that and for these conditions because he is related to heavy-ground specialist Niko Has.

In a more open handicap than the market suggests, I will take a chance that the maiden Moorish Castle can keep on improving on their fifth start to run into a place at least. Just outside the places in their last two starts, and seems to be possibly better over further than today's trip of 2m 4f. The softening ground could bring stamina into play and they could be staying on at the finish with the claimer taking a valuable 5 lbs off. Definitely has a win in them somewhere and worth chancing that it's today.

Looking for some value here in this race and will be picking two out against the top of the market. Starting with this Norman Lee-trained 6yo. I made a note last time that a more patient ride could show this horse in a better light when stepped up in trip. It was due to run at 2m 3f last time but got scratched on the day at Limerick. It's a very wide shot, granted.

Fitness should be an issue with this 6yo mare. Connections have been known to spring surprises in years past here at Fairyhouse at this time of year. She will most likely be seen to better effect in future handicaps, but at these prices I'd be willing to take a shot that Ross Berry has this mare closer to the pace today. EW.