analysis on the 5 tip races today follows in chronological race order-:

 

Hereford 1.30-

 

A Conditional Jockey Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles 1 and 1/2 furlongs. Heart of Rome is in the Tracker today and with an added tongue tie should be there or thereabouts for Rebecca Curtis and was my third top rated here. Both Musique De Fee and Thirtyfour Thirty could run better than recently on this better ground but a couple of course stalwarts who have performed consistently of late in ground softer than ideal may well appreciate the drying ground the most. The veteran KENTFORD MALLARD just gets the nod over NEWTONIAN and it'll be disappointing if one doesn't win this and the other place (Robin)

 

Sandown Park 1.50-

 

A big Novice Handicap Hurdle Series final and I think overall the top half market will dominate but it's a question of in what order amongst 7-8 likely gladiators.

 

Georges Lad and Meetmebythesea will be amongst the top 3-4 in the market and both have solid chances but in that bracket at 5/1 or lower I am most keen on BELLIANO for Paul Nicholls whose form just looks the most solid.

 

At a much bigger price I would not be at all surprised to see Malinificent run a massive race at around 25/1 and he is my 4th rated if you wanted a small side bet. Peso, Elysian Knight and The Kemble Brewery were the others on my initial shortlist.

 

NOT SO WOOLLEY though is one with a solid place profile and very capable and I like the fact that they go for first time cheekpieces just to try to find that extra 2% that might make this horse a deserved winner. I think the odds are very generous. IT'S HARD TO KNOW was inexplicably poor on its last run at Christmas and may be the stable 3rd string in the betting but if that race was a blip, then very very attractively priced on prior form (RJ)

 

Sandown Park 2.25-

 

The Imperial Cup a 17 runner cavalry charge over 2 miles. I really do think the market is spot on here.

 

I take AFADIL for Paul Nicholls, who is very well handicapped, a definitely better horse in the Spring than the Autumn and ideal for this ground to win this from last years winner GO DANTE who will have been primed for this all season. SPIRITS BAY just gets the nod for third ahead of Lump Sum. Not very original but i can not really see much at a bigger price apart from may be Wreckless Eric and the dour stayer Tintintin (The Advisor)

 

Gowran Park 3.50 -

 

A Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles 4 furlongs on Soft ground.

 

KNOCKBRACK RAMBLER is in the TRACKER and  I think the one they all have to beat here. Both Kingkong Clergues and Joya Del Mar have solid chances but at not attractive odds and I think that a better price option may be JOHN THE DIVA a runner up on penultimate run and it's most recent Hurdles run and well handicapped after a run over Fences last time. With a likely fast pace the stamina laden DOYEN FLYER looks just the type to scoot on up the hill past tired horses into a place. (Michael G)

 

Ayr 4.35 -

 

There are 6 of the 16 runner field who caught my eye in this Handicap Hurdle over an extended 3 miles on soft ground.

 

Powers Dilemma may be one for the future who I am adding to my TRACKER. Both Didntgotwenty who looks to be ready to win a nice race and Glory Heights are massive dangers and not easily overlooked.

 

I think though that NINETOFIVE  with whom connections have been very patient and MASTER BRICKLAYER, who is already in my Tracker will hold sway here and I take them to lead home the potential improver BOOLAMORE CASTLE (Northern)