Daily Newsletter – 20th April

2.05 Ayrshire Magazine Novices’ Hurdle (3) 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
141p 3. FIN AND GAME Donald McCain Brian Hughes
139 1. ARTHINGTON Seamus Mullins Kevin Jones (5)
138 2. BRAHMS DE CLERMONT Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

Analyst’s Verdict:
Arthington has done well over hurdles this season. He shaped much better than the distance beaten suggests at the Cheltenham Festival last month, and looks sure to make a bold bid with this return to 2m very much in his favour. Fin And Game, Brahms de Clermont and Deyrann de Carjac all come into the reckoning in a competitive event.

2.40 QTS Handicap Hurdle (3) 2m

Timeform Top Rated:
141p 4. DEMON D’AUNOU Jonjo O’Neill Barry Geraghty
140 8. DINO VELVET Alan King Wayne Hutchinson
139 12. OLIVER’S GOLD Mark Walford Daryl Jacob

Analyst’s Verdict: 
Demon d’Aunou is open to improvement now going handicapping for his leading connections and makes plenty of appeal. Martila hasn’t been seen since winning in good style here in November and remains with potential, while Our Lucas is very much going the right way.

3.15 Trump Turnberry Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (3) 3m70y

Timeform Top Rated:
142p 4. DARIUS DES BOIS Nicky Henderson Noel Fehily
141 8. IT’S YOUR MOVE Brian Ellison Henry Brooke
140 9. LIME STREET Peter Bowen Sean Bowen

Analyst’s Verdict:
Darius des Bois had clearly benefited from a wind operation judged on the manner of his handicap debut success at Newbury last month, notably quickening up and keeping on well to score by 5 lengths. He’s open to further improvement and gets the nod to follow up. This is an intriguing contest though, with Voie Dans Voie, Sir Will and Ocean Cove just a trio of viable threats.

3.45 Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase (Listed) (1) 2½m110y

Timeform Top Rated:
161 5. THEINVAL Nicky Henderson Jeremiah McGrath
158 6. ROMAIN DE SENAM Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies
157 7. GUITAR PETE Nicky Richards Ryan Day (3)

Analyst’s Verdict:
Theinval is 7 lb lower than when finishing runner-up in this race 12 months ago and can go one better this time on the back of a good run at Aintree last week. French recruit Full Glass is a fascinating contender on his first outing for Alan King, while Guitar Pete has acquitted himself very well in some strong handicaps at Cheltenham of late and should figure again.

4.15 Barr Environmental Chase (Novices’ Limited Handicap) (3) 2m110y

Timeform Top Rated:
146 4. AZZURI Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
145 6. VERONA OPERA Stuart Crawford Richard Johnson
143 1. COPAIN DE CLASSE Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies

Analyst’s Verdict: 
Verona Opera seems to have been working her way back to form/fitness after a mid-winter break, and the booking of Richard Johnson suggests a big run is imminent. Copain de Classe is worth another chance back on better ground fitted with a first-time tongue tie, while Azzuri also has to be taken seriously with this drop in trip likely to see him to good effect.

4.45 coral.co.uk Seafield Trophy Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (2) 3m70y

Timeform Top Rated:
142 15. MISS TYNTE David Pipe Tom Scudamore
141 10. DRINKS INTERVAL Colin Tizzard Harry Cobden
141 13. BABY TICKER Donald Whillans Callum Whillans (3)

Analyst’s Verdict: 
Hitherjacques Lady is one of several still getting better in this field and travelled like she was still comfortably ahead of her mark at Uttoxeter last time, so she gets the narrow vote to edge out the tough Lamanver Oddysey, with Drinks Interval another one firmly on the radar following an encouraging display at Kempton recently.

5.15 Seko Logistics Scotland Handicap Hurdle (3) 3m70y

Timeform Top Rated:136 1. KING OF FASHION Kerry Lee Richard Patrick (5)
135§ 2. BOB MAHLER Warren Greatrex Richard Johnson
133 3. BOARD OF TRADE Alan King Wayne Hutchinson

Analyst’s Verdict:
Chapel Stile is really thriving at present and was well on top when scoring for the second time over timber at Bangor last month. There’s likely more to come yet and he can complete the hat-trick. Board of Trade, Bob Mahler and Le Drapeau complete the shortlist.