sixthformer

Gordon Elliott plays a strong hand with three runners entered in this Grade 2 novices' hurdle. The most exciting of these has to be Port Authority, who was really settled in running in a maiden hurdle before outstaying Galway bumper winner Murat (in front of Doctor Steinberg) and going clear, looking like 2m4f would suit well.

A chance is taken on Hititi, who is a soft-ground horse. Five wins from 19 starts over hurdles and went down by only a neck in the 2023 renewal of this race off a current mark of 130. Actually dropped four pounds since the reappearance effort, which may have been needed.

Richmond Lake's best effort yet came when a fourteen-length winner of the last running of this race in 2023. Solid second to the classy Imperial Saint over course and distance since. Travelled strongly on first start back since wind surgery last time, before fading late in a Class 2 hurdle at Bangor. Donald McCain's stable has been in good form. Seven pounds below the mark from which he won this race in 2023. Lots to like about Richmond Lake's chances today.

Fourteen-runner contest and a good few of those out of the handicap proper look to have chances. Gringo Daubrelle is one of four runners for Gordon Elliott (SR 25%). Showed much promise over hurdles in younger years before a lengthy absence. Showed little over fences. Encouraging fifth over hurdles last time and could build on that going up in trip (much staying potential on the dam side). Michael Kenneally has been riding winners and claims a seven-pound allowance. Outside chance.

Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old Tullyhill retains potential. He goes up in trip today. Second to decent sorts over fences. Didn't jump well on reappearance at Wexford and is better than that. Soft, heavy ground is probably an aid to his chances. He might be much sharper on this second seasonal outing. Danny Mullins rides.

Afadil has become very well handicapped again. Harry Cobden (SR 34%) carries just 10-03 in this race, which gives Afadil a strong chance. Talented, quirky at times in the past, the hurdler has won 4 of 24 hurdle starts. Close third behind Go Dante in the Imperial Cup over course and distance in March (five pounds better off today). Made a seasonal reappearance in a decent Class 2 contest at Ascot (unsupported that day). This is Afadil's second start back from wind surgery. Paul Nicholls' trained six-year-old makes much appeal from this low in the handicap.

Not easy. Val Dancer was poor on reappearance and might have the Welsh National (winner last year) as the target, but is well handicapped here. Five wins from ten starts over fences, four of those in excess of three miles. Stays well. Suited by soft going. Trainer Mel Rowley had a recent winner. Jockey Charlie Hammond (SR 23%) is going well. Strangely poor effort last time following form figures of 11133112. Allotted 10st 6lb, Val Dancer must have a shout.

Willie Mullins-trained Kopeck De Mee is a very promising type making his first start over fences today. Well-backed favourite for the Martin Pipe Hurdle at Cheltenham on his first outing since being imported from France for this yard. Came good on potential with a neck second in a Grade 3 hurdle at Aintree. Mark Walsh rides. Rated 144 over hurdles. Soft going will suit. Interesting newcomer to chasing. Likely type.

Best-backed horse in a good-looking renewal of the Tingle Creek Chase. Top-rated officially on a mark of OR169. Willie Mullins-trained 7yo and Paul Townend (SR 35%) comes over presumably chiefly for this ride. Six wins from eight starts over fences, including the impressive defeat of Jonbon over course and distance in April. Warmed up for this with a facile, eighteen-length win in a Grade 2 at Clonmel last month. Strong claims of success.

From very low in the handicap (OR 119, 10-02), Sunray Shadow catches the eye for trainer Dan Skelton. Won a Class 3 maiden hurdle over course and distance in October 2024. Unsupported in the market on his first run for eleven months at Newbury last time (probably an inadequate trip of two miles). Unexposed and interesting in this company. Tristan Durrell (SR 22%) claims 3 lb.

Josh Williamson claims 5 lb on With Nolimit, one of two Gordon Elliott (SR 25%) trained former point winners running in Gigginstown colours. The Racing Post notes this horse was favourably mentioned by the trainer in a recent stable tour. Ten-length winner in point-to-point back in March was very promising. Stable Yard going really well with recent winners at the course and lots of recent bumper winners.

Seven-year-old has won three of the last four starts, including over a marathon trip of 3m4f in the Sussex National at Plumpton. Handicapper being very kind (up 8 lbs for four wins). Winner over these fences at 2m4f last time. Invincible Nao is not a showy type and sometimes loses enthusiasm in his races, but tends to show up at the end of races in a winning position. Could easily do the same in this contest from a weight of 10-12. Training partnership Gary & Josh Moore are so successful at Sandown. Three pretty easy winners from just four runners at the course yesterday.

Hitched has a good deal of ability and is consistent at this level, but he's a come-from-behind sort and doesn't always get the breaks. That happened last time behind Tribal Wisdom, who he meets again over this course and distance. He's certainly in with a shout. 4-1 seems a little bit short for a betting price, but he's a definite contender, one pound above his last winning mark.