PADDOCKS PATENT (MONDAY)

13:50 Leicester

Educate takes a big drop in class to contest this handicap having run a lifeless race in the Cambridgeshire last month. In fact he is without a win since landing that very race back in 2013, but at least now he looks to have been given a decent chance by the handicapper. He is versatile regarding ground conditions and he has proven his stamina over two furlongs further in the past. It seems as though he has been around forever, but this six year old might just have a little too much class here.

Robert The Painter is another who will soon take full advantage of his free falling handicap mark. He has gone well in both of his runs since joining Lee Carter and has to be high on the shortlist this afternoon. He last won in April 2014 with similar ground conditions and with the yard in form he looks the biggest danger. Athletic came from an uncompromising position when just in behind Robert The Painter last time. Andrew Reid will be keen to ensure that it doesn’t happen again and they too should be capable of hitting the frame. This looks too tough for Polar Forest whilst Macret has done all of his winning at Chester.

Educate is a smart enough character on his day and this looks the easiest opportunity that he has had in quite a while. Ishmael Mohammed may have found the perfect race for his stable star and if he came right back to his best he would leave these trailing in his wake.

Educate (E/W if 9/2+)

14:10 Wexford

Indian Court should know a lot more about this game than when making his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse a little over a fortnight ago. Prior to that he was placed in a national hunt flat race beaten a little over a length by  Michael Hourigan’s That’s Nice. This step up in trip looks ideal for this son of Indian River and with the benefit of fitness on his side, he can make his presence felt. Danny Mullins retains the ride on five year old and they have to be of obvious interest here.

Dallas Cowboy runs in the familiar colours of Gigginstown House Stud and represents the in form Gordon Elliott yard. Whilst he lacks the benefit of a recent outing, he is likely to have strengthened up over the summer and Luke Dempsey claims an invaluable three pounds this afternoon. This well bred son of Presenting is likely to have been well schooled and they look the biggest threat. Scoop It is a multiple winning point to pointer that makes his hurdling debut this afternoon. He will improve for the outing but he may not have to beat much in order for him to make the placings today.

Indian Court is entitled to have needed that first run back this season and any cobwebs should have cleared. With the extra yardage likely to see him in a better light this afternoon, he is taken to shed his maiden with the minimum of fuss.

Indian Court (WIN)

15:55 Ayr

Jack Steel was placed twice here last season and showed he was better than ever when making his seasonal debut at Perth last month. He chased home Jet Master on that occasion and with only six runs under his belt, there is every likelihood of further improvement to come. Lucinda Russell has had quite a few winners since the turn of the month and the booking of Richard Johnson suggests that a big run is expected from this five year old.

Ueueteotl can go well fresh and is at least proven at this trip. Dale Irving is able to take five pounds off his partners back this afternoon and with James Ewart enjoying a purple patch at present, the duo look to be the biggest threats to the selection. His previous efforts at the track have been nothing short of woeful in truth though and that should be noted. Doctor Moloney ought to need this trip as a bare minimum but it is of significance that Stuart Crawford has opted to run him here. He will not have made the trip across the Irish Sea for nothing and he too commands respect.

Jack Steel is taking a notable step up in distance this afternoon but he looked to be doing all of his best work in the closing stages last time. Running in the familiar JP McManus colours, it is unlikely that we have seen the best from this son of Craigsteel and he is likely to be aimed at loftier targets as the season progresses.

Jack Steel (WIN)