SUNDAY WEEKENDER

15:00 Market Rasen Our best bet of the day sees current champion jump jockey Richard Johnson jump aboard the current favourite and handicap debutant Castafiore. After picking up its first victory at Ludlow last time out a six length success should stand Charlie Longsdon’s charge in good stead in what looks a pretty weak race. Although it may be a tad dismissive of his other rivals there’s just two runners that I fear and both have probably the best flat form out of all eight runners. Both Master Of Finance and Top Of The Glas have very good flat handicap runs to their name but the question mark remains as to wether or not they can finally make a similar impact over obstacles. If they can bring something near their best then dread their inclusion in this race but I can’t help but side with Richard Johnson. Castafiore (WIN) – NAP

16:30 Market Rasen Unlike our first selection we’re actually going to side against a Richard Johnson ridden favourite. Top jockey Paddy Brennan travels up to Market Rasen for just the one ride in the final race on the card. He’s one of the more well known and well respected jockeys in British weighing rooms and I’m positive he wouldn’t waste his time going to a relatively small meeting just for the one runner unless it had a very good chance. Monderon may be ten years old but he’s still lightly raced. A third placed finish last time out is a much more improved effort and in-form trainer Fergal O’Brien applie blinkers to the horse for the first time. If the application of blinkers can produce further improvement from the runner he’s bound to go close. The favourite cannot be ignored as any runner that has the huge plus in Richard Johnson in the saddle has to demand the upmost respect. The Mythologist is very well bred but is yet to score a victory under rules despite his prolific exploits as a point to pointer and as such has to be taken on as a favourite. Monderon (WIN)