The Guvnor has no problem admitting that he is far more at home in the affairs of National Hunt racing than on the Flat. That said, by sticking to a certain few top jockeys a nice percentage of winners can be attained on the level also.

Our first outing of the new season turned out to be a massive disappointment but I would plead for punter’s patience because things will pick up as the season progresses and a little more work is got in on the gallops.

Anyway, time to get down to business. The opening contest on the card is a 2yo Maiden and by their nature these are trappy affairs. The betting may provide the best guide and if there is any significant support for the Ballydoyle representative, Exodus, it might be very significant while Aidan O’Brien could also by the one to beat in the 3.05 where Greatwallofchina has his sights lowered considerably and in the 3.35 Clearwater Bay looks the one to beat for the same connections.

So on to the jumps action. My faith in the Tony Martin/Ruby Walsh combination went unrewarded on Sunday but seeing the ease with which Salute Him scored the following day should persuade anyone not to jump ship just yet. The pair can strike again courtesy of Another Ambition while Avanti Albert could run a big race for them too. Some things in Racing speak louder than any formbook and when those two combine they deliver more often than not.

As for the big race itself, it is something of a minefield. Martin’s Northern Alliance – the race winner twelve months ago – must be respected though wouldn’t want the sod too testing. Willie Mullins’ sole representative, Deutchland, cannot be left out of the equation either while if FingerOnthePulse could reproduce his Galway plate winning run he would have to have a chance. Though it is interesting to note that Gordon Elliot’s Nedzer’s Return is 8lbs better off in the weights with the latter from their clash in the West.

Former winner Ponmeoath also looks nicely treated by the Handicapper but my own preference would be for Alpha Beat who runs off 10st 10lbs as he goes in search of a five timer for Charles Byrnes.

Hardly surprisingly, Willie Mullins should take all the beating in the concluding Bumper with Red Tiger with Tistobesure likely to give him most to do.

To sum up though, The Guvnor would advise punters to ‘Try These Three’:

Clearwater Bay (3.35)
Another Ambition (5.35)
Red Tiger (6.05)


The Guvnor...