The jumps season gathers momentum tomorrow with big races at Ascot, Down Royal and Wetherby.
Starting at Ascot the feature race is the United House Gold Cup at 3.10. Alfie Spinner looks the sort to pick up a race of this sort during the season. He stays well and is a sound jumper. My only concern would be the ground as he has only won on soft or heavy. This is a tricky race to weigh up as many of these will have bigger targets later in the season. I wills stick with a small interest in Alfie Spinner.
12.50 Brick Red looks on a decent mark and should be all the better for a recent run at Cheltenham.
1.25 Hadrian’s Approach could be a future star. A points winner he won on his hurdling debut. Handy Andy is likely to leave recent form behind now he tackles fences and he looks too big a price. Swincome Flame brings good form over hurdles to the race and with her mare’s allowance I feel she should go well.
2.00 Trip and ground are likely to favour My Tent Or Yours.
2.35 This looks quite a hot little race. Ile de Re, Raya Star, Ted Spread It’s a Gimme and War Singer all look interesting. Given Ile de Re’s wins in the Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate since he last went hurdling it is hard to get away from him even though he is likely to be a short price.
4.15 Fontwell winner Puffin Billy sets the standard here, while Henryville is well thought of by connections.
Ayr
1.0 Shanen goes well fresh and looks the one to beat here.
3.50 Course and distance winner Un Guet Apens looks good here.
Down Royal selections
1.15 Robbie McMahon
2.25 Quito de la Roque
3.00 Paul Nicholls likes to target this meeting and sends Cristal Bonus over for this one.
Picture courtesy of the artist Margaret Barrett.
ahorse 