There are some interesting races on the card at Market Rasen on Wednesday afternoon. I quite like the look of the maiden hurdle as there are some interesting horses from some big yards. I also like a 16/1 in the lucky last who makes his handicap debut for Tom Gretton.
2.00 – Boost Your Winnings At Rhino.Bet Handicap Chase
Zara’s Universe bounced back to form after winning at Southwell last month. She is now 3lb higher, but Joe Williamson will be taking off a handy 3lb with his claim, so essentially she’s running off the same mark here. The eight-year-old mare seems to thrive at this time of year, as she made it back-to-back wins last season, which included a success at this venue. She doesn’t seem to mind a bit of ease in the ground, and I am going to side with her to go in again here.
Selection: Zara’s Universe 5/2 (Win)
2.30 – Easter Sunday & Centenary Celebration Raceday Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle
It looks like Jane Williams has found a good opportunity for Excelero to get his head in front. His form is head and shoulders above all of these, which included a fourth-placed effort behind Sir Gino at Cheltenham on Trials Day. Connections do reach for a first-time hood, which doesn’t look to be a bad option as he’s been a little fresh in his races. If it does settle him, he should take all the beating.
Selection: Excelero 4/9 (Win)
3.00 – Follow Rhino.Bet On Instagram Maiden Hurdle
A few of these have shown a good level of ability, but then have somewhat blotted their copybook along the way. Theformismighty it’s fair to say falls into this category, with his best run coming third behind Gidleigh Park, but then he blew out to finish sixth at Warwick in January. He now returns after wind surgery and wears a first-time tongue tie, which hopefully will help his breathing as that looks to have caused him some issues. His trainer, Dan Skelton has been in red hot form in the last two weeks with a 25% strike rate and I think the son of Black Sam Bellamy to add to his tally.
Selection: Theformismighhty 7/4 (Win)
3.30 – Book Summer Plate Ladies Day Now Mares’ Handicap Chase
This is a trappy race with all five mares holding a chance, but I am just going to give my slight preference to Flintara. She has done well over fences this season and put up a good performance to finish second at Huntingdon in February. Out of all the mares in here, she seems to run her race more than most, and she handles plenty of cut in the ground. The daughter of Kayf Tara now returns from wind surgery, but if she can pick up from where she left off, she can go very close.
Selection: Flintara 7/4 (Win)
4.05 – Discover What’s Trending At Rhino.Bet Casino Handicap Hurdle
Accidental Legend has an upward profile compared to the majority of the rivals he faces here. The last time we saw him, he finished a close second when he was just chinned on the line at Catterick. Before that, he had been maintaining his form well, which included a win at Uttoxeter in December. He hasn’t been the most straightforward horse this season, and that’s probably why Fergal O’Brien has reached for first-time cheekpieces to keep his mind on the job. However, with the ground in his favour and returning to this track, where he’s previously won, I think he’s the one they had to beat.
Selection: Accidental Legend 3/1 (Win)
4.40 – James Arthur & Ella Henderson Live Handicap Hurdle
There are a few horses that arrive here in decent shape, but Billytherealbigred is the horse who seems to be improving rapidly. He bolted up when scoring at Warwick earlier this month by 36 lengths. He’s due to go up 13lbs for that win, but he gets in here off a 4lb higher mark, so he’s very well treated at the weights. I could see him easily going off odds on for this race and it looks like he’ll bring up the hat-trick.
Selection: Billytherealbigred 1/2 (Win)
5.15 – Family Extravaganza Raceday Sunday 7th July Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle
This is probably the weakest race on the card, however I am going to give a chance to Protector Pete, who makes his handicap debut here. The last time he ran was in a warm novice hurdle at Huntingdon, which has thrown up several winners. The son of Haafhd has been given an opening mark of 80, which looks workable and I think the step up in trip will also suit. For me he’s probably my strongest each-way fancy of the day.
Selection: Protector Pete 22/1 (EW)
