4 minutes Five selections from Sunday's racing from the UK & Ireland including a NAP from Kelso.
With the Cheltenham Festival just a few days we have handful of tips this Sunday to warm you up. Our 'Fab Five' comes from each of the racecourses racing today, Naas (IRE), Limerick (IRE), Kelso, Warwick and Southwell.
14:45 LIMERICK
Rubstic Handicap Chase (Go North One Man Series Qualifier)
The Limerick Leader delivered his most commendable performance in recent times by securing the second place at Musselburgh three weeks ago, and with just a slight increase in weight, he certainly merits consideration. However, an optimistic view can be embraced for CHAPEL GREEN. Lucinda Russell's gelding triumphed at Hexham in October, matching today's mark, and the introduction of cheekpieces for the first time might just be the catalyst for a revival of that winning form. Duty Calls is also expected to perform admirably, potentially rounding off the leading trio.
CHAPEL GREEN - 3/1
16:50 SOUTHWELL
BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap
HOW IMPRESSIVE, despite narrowly missing out on a hat-trick at Chelmsford, still emerged with much credit as the winner from that race performed commendably just a week later. Hugo Palmer's five-year-old is likely to welcome the return to a 7f distance with open arms. Grant Wood and Thunder Roar are the contenders currently seeking their own hat-tricks, with Grant Wood's recent Course & Distance/Newcastle victories particularly noteworthy. Mountain Warrior, having maintained a perfect record at Southwell by winning his second race from two starts, undoubtedly deserves consideration. Legal Reform, too, has proven to fit very well into this setting and is another strong contender.
HOW IMPRESSIVE - 4/1
16:10 WARWICK
SPORTING ACE has displayed commendable performances in his outings following an underwhelming appearance in the Sussex National at Plumpton. It's possible that the reapplication of cheekpieces has played a role in this positive change in form. With the handicapper maintaining his rating at 117, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to his winning ways. Bretney, after his well-earned victory at Sandown, is anticipated to attract considerable attention, while Glance From Clover is also predicted to be a strong contender in the crucial stages of the competition.
SPORTING ACE - 9/2
16:55 LIMERICK
Parade Ring Bar Novice Handicap Chase
DUNDANIEL has impressively claimed victories in two point-to-points before triumphantly securing a hunter chase at Cork last Easter. This Getaway gelding has also shown commendable form in several handicaps this season, though a significant error at the final hurdle at Clonmel last month diminished his chances of success. Chosen Diamond kicked off his steeplechase career with a win in a 2m4f handicap at Naas in November and returned to hurdles earlier this year. He was in contention for victory when he unfortunately fell at the last hurdle in a Navan handicap, a race eventually won by Butty O Brien, before taking the second place behind the rising star Aodhan May at the same track last weekend. Macdermott, a winner of a maiden hurdle at Tramore last spring, has yet to find his form over fences this term, including a second-place finish to Farmers Lodge at Fairyhouse in his most recent outing.
DUNDANIEL - 11/2
14:52 NAAS
Bar One Racing "Price Boosts All 28 Favourites At Cheltenham" Handicap Hurdle (Div II)
THE BIG CLOUD, having received strong support in her recent races, looks poised for success. This mare by Cloudings encountered significant obstacles at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, including being hampered early on and stumbling, which left her with a lot to do. Despite these challenges, she impressively managed to secure third place, showcasing her determination and stamina to overcome the early setback and position herself as a contender before the final hurdle. Cramers Valley, on the other hand, displayed remarkable progress when narrowly missing out on a win here in December. With a slight increase in weight, his performance level suggests he's a serious contender. Three In A Row, with a couple of promising performances in maiden hurdles, is another to keep an eye on as he makes his debut in handicaps, suggesting potential for a noteworthy performance.
THE BIG CLOUD -2/1