HAYDOCK
13:50 THE GET DAILY REWARDS WITH BETFAIR GRADUATION STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m51⁄2f
This can go the way of Hitman (2) who went down narrowly in the G2 Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Newbury on reappearance. The Paul Nicholls yard could hardly be in any better form at present and his unexposed six-year-old has plenty to spare over his rivals on official ratings. Minella Drama (4) finished a solid runner-up at Carlisle in Listed company last-time-out and could be the one to chase the selection home. The formerly smart Itchy Feet (3) has a few lengths to find with Hitman but remains preferred to Erne River (1).
14:25 THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE STAYERS’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1)3m1⁄2f
It was quite an impressive display from Good Risk At All (6) when he bolted up at Carlisle on the testing ground 20 days ago. A small rise in the weights may well underestimate Sam Thomas’ charge and this lightly-raced six-year-old can go close with further improvement likely stepping up in trip. Run For Oscar (1) ran out a facile winner of the ultra-competitive Newmarket Cesarewitch Handicap on the flat when last seen and he cannot be ignored back over hurdles for shrewd Irish connections. Mighti (8) finished runner-up in the G1 Mersey Novices Hurdle at Aintree in April and has to be taken seriously on reappearance and handicap bow. Complete Unknown (10) is worthy of strong consideration.
15:00 THE BETFAIR STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1) (Registered as The Lancashire Steeple Chase) (GBB RACE) (CL1) 3m11⁄2f
All eyes will be on last season’s G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (1) as he kicks off his campaign. Henry de Bromhead’s stable star won this last season in emphatic style and can do so again with plenty to spare over main market rival Protektorat (5) on official ratings. The Dan Skelton-trained seven-year-old remains open to improvement and looks the likely danger having ran well when third behind the selection in the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Bristol De Mai (2) won this in 2017, 2018, and 2020 and needs respect with the ground to suit. Eldorado Allen (3) finished a good runner-up in the G2 Charlie Hall Chase but will need more to feature. A super race for National Hunt fans.
15:35 THE BEST ODDS ON THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 3m11⁄2f
This is likely to be a fair test of stamina and that should suit Lord Du Mesnil (2). Richard Hobson’s previous course and distance winner came up against a very well handicapped rival when second at Bangor-on-Dee on his return to action. That run should put him spot on for this and with the extra yardage and soft ground to suit, everything looks in favour for a big run. The improving Houston Texas (11) commands consideration following a nice handicap chase win at Carlisle (heavy) while Musical Slave (8) should be involved in reappearance having finished last season with a solid second at Sandown. Stable form is a concern for Fontaine Collonges (10) who looks like a progressive chaser and will handle conditions.
ASCOT
14:05 THE CHANELLE PHARMA 1965 STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m5f
Top novice chase L’homme Presse (4) returns to action following a superb couple of Grade One successes the last term. Well placed to return to winning ways on figures. Hitman (5 – Engaged 13:50 Haydock) is likely to prove a strong rival after a determined neck second in an Aintree Grade Two chase over 2m 4f. A key runner with fitness on his side. Saint Calvados (1) needs to improve on the bare figures but is talented and not entirely ruled out. Do Your Job (3) has minor place hope if sufficient rain falls which looking at the early forecast is very possible. A great race ahead.
14:40 THE CORAL HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Registered as The Ascot Hurdle Race) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1)2m31⁄2f
Constitution Hill (2) concluded last campaign’s unbeaten record with a scintillating 22L demonstration in the G1 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham over 2m.Expected to take this rise in trip in his stride for a top stable, he is the one to beat without a shadow of doubt. Brewin’upastorm (3) could be the one to give the selection most to do if able to atone for a mishap when a strong favourite at Aintree. The enigmatic six-time hurdle scorer Goshen (1) would be dangerous to rule out if granted an easy lead while FOR PLEASURE (4) has minor place appeal.
15:15 THE GERARD BERTRAND HURST PARKHANDICAP STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m1f
Dual Grade One-winning chaser Edwardstone (1) makes his eagerly awaited return after a fine second at Aintree over 2m. A hugely talented type who is likely to play a pivotal role at the business end. Boothill (7) took care of a small field to win easily on the second chase run at Newton Abbot. Huge claims with an unexposed record over fences. Thyme White (3) is a course and distance scorer who demands maximum respect. So Scottish (9) has raced prominently in both winning starts over fences. Key player on handicap debut over fences.
