Warwick has passed the morning inspection and we will be concentrating on two of their televised races. The going is heavy and a sunny afternoon is forecast.

1.50 Warwick Hampton Novices´ Chase (Listed Race)

Only five line up for the £23,000 prize money, but they all have their merits.

Mullins trained Black Hercules looks sure to be at short odds to follow up his impressive win at Navan on chase debut. Beat the stables other runner in commanding style.A proven stayer who will be difficult to beat. 4/6 on my tissue, which is around the current odds.

Emily Gray ran an excellent second at Doncaster behind Ma Filleule on latest start and is of some interest. Her bare form puts her in with a realistic chance, although her ability to stay this trip is a concern as she has never gone further than 2m 5f before. 6/1 generally and 9/2 on my tissue

3.00 Warwick Neptune Investment Management Novices´ Hurdle (CLASS 1)

Born Survivor was an expensive purchase from the Irish PTP field and made quite an impression on his December debut for the Skelton yard over today’s course & distance.
Bought for £220,000 in the April sales by Richard Kelvin-Hughes who said: “This horse will need a bit of time, but he’s a proper horse and one for the future. We were alerted to him a couple of days ago. He’s the sort of horse we like, but unfortunately so does everyone else, which pushes the price up.”
That debut form looks solid and further improvement is expected.

The Irish challenge is spearheaded by the Mullins pair: Open Eagle and Thomas Hobson. Anything travelling from this yard has to be given respect. But one that catches the eye and could be some value is Final Nudge who is progressing well. Has won twice this season in heavy ground before running a good second in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Currently around 8/1, which seems fair.

However Born Survivor is a very decent prospect who I would expect to take plenty of beating. 2/1 on my tissue.

An interesting day of racing away from the high profile tracks.

For more details about my work as a professional backer, go to: www.slh.co.uk