An excellent day of racing ahead. Haydock report the going as Good whilst Ascot is Good to Firm. One race from each meeting for us today.

2.15 Haydock Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Registered as The Swinton Hurdle) (Grade 3) (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

First big handicap hurdle of new season.

John Constable is fairly handicapped and from a stable that has won this race previously.

Gwafa is unexposed and is expected to be suited by conditions.

In such an open race I would prefer to focus on a couple of horses that should be considered at much bigger odds and it is worth looking at the foot of the market.

Both Roman Flight and Regulation will be suited by conditions and are expected to run well. The pair are both available at 66/1 in places.

2.30 Ascot Leo Bancroft Signature Haircare Handicap (CLASS 3) (4yo+ 0-95)

The well bred Sign Of A Victory stands out in this first start in a flat handicap. His last race was in the Champion Hurdle in which he showed up well. Potentially very well handicapped and should be kept onside.

Difficult to price because if Sign Of A Victory transfers his jumps ability to the flat, very short odds would then be justified. Currently a best priced 9/4, which seems fair.

Two major races for us this afternoon both dominated by horses from the major Irish yards. As I have touched on previously, the power of such stables has been contentious in Ireland in recent years and is now starting to have a similar effect in Britain.

3.45 Newmarket 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1)

Air Force Blue chance is reflected in his price and offers little value. The Dewhurst winner is a general 8/11. First time tongue-tie.

The form of Marcel’s Racing Post Trophy win is solid. Ease in the ground is fine and I would expect him to go well. At a best price 11/1 he looks a decent each way prospect.

3.50 Punchestown Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Limini is short in the market on the form achieved. Raced keenly at Aintree last time and that exertion told in the final stages.

As we continue to witness, the Mullins’ horses can improve significantly, but I would be wary of taking short odds about Limini. Gets a general 11/10 quote from the layers, I go 9/4 the field. Jennies Jewel is now a non-runner.

As the trainers title race goes right to the final day, two races for us this afternoon at Sandown. The going is good and a dry afternoon is forecast.

 2.20 Sandown bet365 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (CLASS 2)

Voix Du Reve held every chance when falling at final hurdle at Cheltenham. Has been put up 5lb in the handicap, although David Mullins can claim 3lb. Must go close, but that is reflected in the market. Currently a best priced 3/1 and a general 9/4 – 5/2 elsewhere.

At bigger odds a case can be made for Wolf Of Windlesham, who was last seen winning on the flat. Lightly campaigned over the winter with two victories from three starts over hurdles, including winning the JCB trial at Cheltenham.

I price the market leaders as follows:

Voix Du Reve  5/2

Tommy Silver 4/1

Wolf Of Windlesham 8/1

Ashoka  8/1

12/1 bar

4.10 Sandown bet365 Gold Cup Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (CLASS 1)

Southfield Theatre is well handicapped on his second in last year’s RSA. Hard to know what form he is in after being brought down before the race had really began at Cheltenham. The £84,000 winners prize would be a significant step towards the title for Paul Nicholls.

Henri Parry Morgan had looked exposed, but has reached a new level in form since being fitted with a tongue tie. He finished an excellent second in a Grade 1 at Aintree two weeks ago and still looks progressive. I expect him to run a big race.

Wide open race, the  8/1 on offer for the two mentioned looks about right.

Another winning bet for us yesterday to make it four from five on the week. For more details about my work, go to the website: www.slh.co.uk