SUNDAY WEEKENDER

13:45 Towcester

Strange day of racing on Sunday with some pretty ordinary stuff and some big competitive handicaps at Navan.

We start however at Towcester and a claiming race over two miles. Not the most riveting race but the front two in the market should dominate in Vinnie My Boy and Formal Bid. The later is taken to continue trainer Gordon Elliot’s excellent form this season. He has a great chance on these terms and given how well he has been running over fences should transfer that to hurdles. Only concern would be the ground however it is not ideal for any of these. Vinnie my Boy is the clear danger but hasn’t won since May but if back to form should challenge Formal Bid.

Formal Bid (WIN)

14:05 Exeter

A competitive small field handicap chase over three miles and will take a real stayer. Jupiter Rex is the favourite and given how well connections horses go in this conditions. He must have a great chance. A winner of seven consecutive races in 2012/13 season was entitled to need the run last time out and should go well.

Roll the dice represents bang in form conditions and is up against some proven stayers and first time in trip could just struggle on this ground.

Barton Gift is a thoroughly frustrating sort with wins and letter taken up his last five runs. He can’t be trusted so is overlooked.

The selection is top weight Big Society improved greatly towards the end of last year. He has a lot in his favour today. Goes on ground and has won over this distance and should be better than this mark.

Big Society (WIN)

14:55 Navan

Gallant Oscar will be a hot favourite for this grade C contest. He is still well treated over hurdles dispute an eleven pound rise for wining last time out. He will undoubtably go well but looks a bit short to me.

Foxrock will need this with a return to the major staying races in the offing. The main challengers to gallant oscar look like Realt Mor and Give Me A Break.

Realt Mor travelled like an absolute dream in behind Champagne Fever before a blunder at the last cost him. He is high in the weights an not guaranteed to jump well enough.

Give Me A Break is a horse I like and looks a natural improver. She has won her last two an looks like there could be more to come.

Give Me A Break (E/W if 6/1+)