1.20 – WEST BALBOA was a big winning tip for this column last year and I think history is on course for repeating itself. This season hasn't quite gone to plan for one reason or another but I suspect shrewd connections have been planning her route back to this race for some time. She is higher in the handicap but I would argue this race is an easier assignment than the one she had last year and I can't envisage the ground bothering her too much.
1.55 – I felt very shrewd yesterday as BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD opened up 2/1 here as I managed to catch her at 5/1 earlier in the week. Gordon Elliott's mare broke a lot of hearts and bank accounts at Cheltenham as she was done for toe by a speedier filly. Back up in trip here I think she can show her true form and reward connections' faith in her.
2.30 – Not an overly strong race compared to some renewals and I think KILBEG KING is overpriced here. Anthony Honeyball has 3 in this and I anticipate him to appreciate the switch to handicap company after mixing it with some top novices this term already. He won a big race at Punchestown last year over hurdles and should definitely be a better chaser so he certainly has the class to win a race like this.
3.05 – I'm going to have two darts in this race as I think there is enough value in both selections. First up is HIDDENVALLEY LAKE who is somewhat an unknown at this level but based on his run last time I think he could well be up to it. Henry De Bromhead has kept him fresh for this race and I expect the step up to three miles to bring about plenty of improvement so he must figure at 7/1. My other selection is HEWICK who looks too big at 12/1. His hurdling ability isn't tested too often but he seems equally as adept based on his French Champion Hurdle run last time he faced the smaller obstacles. Shark Hanlon will have him in tip top form for this and although the ground will be on the slower side I do think he is primed to run a big race.
4.00 – I've been sweeet on LIMERICK LACE for this race since her Mares Chase win and thankfully managed to catch her before Mark Walsh chose to ride her and her price collapsed. The trip is obviously unknown but she has always looked like a strong stayer and with the ground in her favour I can see her running a big race. Away from her I wouldn't put anyone off backing the favourite CORACH RAMBLER now that he is drifting. The drift is due to the ground and although he is a better horse on a sounder surface I think he has enough quality to still go close as he bids to retain his crown.
5.00 – This race looks at the mercy of FOUND A FIFTY who looks a lot better than all of his rivals here. With that in mind he doesn't look too bad a price at 2/1 although a busy season would put a slight doubt in your mind. However, he looks a tough animal and I'm sure Elliott wouldn't run him if there were any doubts about his welfare so he rates a confident selection.
5.35 – This again doesn't look like a strong renewal of this race but I am glad TRIPOLI FLYER has been declared to run as I've had him shortlisted for this race since his win at Lingfield. He showed an electric turn of foot there which will certainly be useful here providing he goes on the ground. Fergal O'Brien enjoyed bumper success here last year so he knows what it takes to win this type of race and I'm expecting a big run at 12/1.
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