SUNDAY WEEKENDER

14:15 Plumpton

We start todays action with a maiden hurdle in the opener from Plumpton.

The current market leader is Gary Moore’s Searching who put in three respectable efforts in its only hurdle starts. Although the form figures read 2, 3 and 4 they seem to look better than they truly are. The horse finished second in a seven runner race which is relatively respectable but third of five runners and last in a four runner contest most recently. The horse obviously has to be respected hailing from this yard but at a price of around 5/2 it doesn’t represent much in the way of value.

The top yards of King, Greatrex and Sherwood are all represented and all hold promising chances with likely improvers however I’m siding with someone from the Moore family however not the favourite. Top jockey Jamie Moore sits onboard eight year old Jamhoori. A fifth placed finish over course and distance last time out on its only hurdles start isn’t too bad and this horse has been picking up a handful of success on the all-weather over the winter. At the age of eight it’s true to say that it may be open to younger and more progressive types but this horse knows how to win and if it can improve for its sole hurdles experience has to be in with a great chance.

Jamhoori (E/W if 9/2+)

16:10 Leopardstown

We take a trip over to Ireland to take in a big runner handicap at Leopardstown.

With eighteen runners set to go to post value has to be the order of the day here. Although favourite, The Moore Factor will put up a stern test to its rivals and is likely to be there or thereabouts however at 9/2 it seems a tad too short especially making its handicap debut.

A horse I feel will run a big race at a much bigger price is former course winner Zalty who now sits on its last winning mark and despite a few poor performances should come on for its ninth placed finish last time out. Although it isn’t my selection here it seems mightily overpriced at around 25/1.

The one I’m plumping for represents the top stable of John Oxx as he sends Aimhirgin Lass into the race. The four year old was a tad disappointing last time out but that was on very heavy going. With the ground much firmer today it has to be a bigger plus. That recent outing is bound to have blown off any cobwebs and a horse who was ultra consistent as a three year old looks set to go well here at a good each way price.

Aimhirgin Lass (E/W)

17:15 Ludlow

Our third and final selection of the day goes to a horse who’s yet to step foot on a race course as Dreyfus makes its debut. This national hunt flat race sees all eight runners take their first forays into racing so when it comes to form there’s nothing to go off.

Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton have runners in this and with powerhouse stables such as those their runners have to be feared but I’m siding with the Paul Webber runner after the yard put up a winner of a big handicap hurdle race yesterday. The stable seem to be hitting a bit of form and the horse, who seems nicely bred could go well especially with eight runners and three places available for punters.

Dreyfus (E/W)