EJS Racing

Aintree 12:55 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) 3m 1/2f

A Pertemps qualifier this early in the season often raises questions about intentions — who’s here to win outright and who’s simply aiming to qualify. However, KATATE DORI stands out clearly as one coming to land the prize.

A handicap mark of 132 looks very workable, and a victory here could set him up nicely for other targets later in the season. His Cheltenham record (48P) isn’t sparkling, so connections may well see this as an opportunity to pick up valuable prize money and build momentum elsewhere.

He looked exceptional when thrashing Hyland by 15 lengths in the Ladbroke Trophy Chase at Kempton, a performance that reads extremely well on paper.

Trainer Sam Thomas is in flying form with a 63% strike rate, and he’s proven adept at getting them ready to go first time out. This trip looks ideal, and KATATE DORI should give a strong account of himself.

🟩 Selection: KATATE DORI – 6/1 WIN

Aintree 13:30 – William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4yo+) 3m1f

The combination of Sean Bowen and Rebecca Curtis rarely goes amiss, and Ben Pauling has his string in fine form this season — but I’m taking the pair on with the outsider of the field.

STRACKAN looks far too big a price here, and with Sam Twiston-Davies taking the ride, he makes plenty of appeal.

His standout performance came when winning at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, where he stayed every yard strongly and shaped like a proper stayer. This is a slight step up in trip with an extra furlong to cover, but that should suit him perfectly, and there’s every reason to think he’ll improve again now tackling fences.

On his seasonal reappearance last term, he finished second to Double Powerful, beaten 24 lengths but conceding 9lbs that day — and with Dylan Johnston’s 5lb claim, that’s effectively a 14lb swing. Double Powerful is now rated 136, while STRACKAN sits on 123, suggesting there’s still plenty of scope for improvement off this mark.

He’s a big price in what looks a competitive contest, and while the front of the market is respected, the value lies elsewhere. I will be playing a small stake and only betting with firms paying 3 places.

🟩 SELECTION: STRACKAN 20/1 EW (3 places)

Aintree 14:40 – Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (6yo+) 2m5f

This looks a tricky handicap, with cases to be made for plenty in the field.

I’ve already gone in on EXCELLO a few weeks back (antepost), and while I still respect his chances, this race has a habit of throwing up big-priced winners. With that in mind, I’ll be hedging my bet with another each-way play.

Running through the trends, one horse stood out — ticking every box but the last three (not favourite, not ridden by Sean Bowen, and didn’t win last time out), all of which are relatively minor. He scored 94.29 on my trends model — an exceptionally high mark — and is currently available at 22/1.

Trainer Dylan Cunha isn’t someone you’d typically associate with jumps horses, but he sends MAHONS GLORY here, who brings some solid chasing form to the table. His recent runs have been below his best, but earlier this year he showed plenty of ability — notably finishing second at Sandown behind Mark Of Gold (now rated 146). That form has since been well advertised by subsequent winners Pic Roc and Riskintheground. On that evidence, he looks more than capable of defying this mark.

🟩 SELECTIONS: EXCELLO 14/1 EW(4 PLACES – ANTEPOST) & MAHONS GLORY 22/1 EW (5 PLACES)

Wincanton 15:30 – 64th Badger Beers Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) 3m1f

Considering the initial entries compared to what’s actually turning up, this looks a weaker renewal of the race. The good-to-firm ground at Wincanton has put several off taking their chance, but with that in mind, there could be value to be found among those who do line up.

One who should relish the quicker conditions is THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE. He’s been a little disappointing of late, having been pulled up on his last two starts, but he’s since undergone wind surgery and enjoyed a summer break, which should have him fresh and ready to go again.

Before those runs, he produced a strong effort at Ascot, only narrowly denied by Victtorino while carrying top weight. He faces a similar burden here, but this looks a weaker field, and with conditions in his favour, he’s well capable of bouncing back to form.

He also has previous experience in this race, having finished second to Blackjack Magic last year, and there’s every reason to believe he can go close once more.

Adding further confidence, Paul Nicholls boasts an excellent record in this contest, with four wins in the last eight years, and clearly knows the type required to land it.

🟩 SELECTION: THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE 10/3 WIN