15:35 Lingfield – Rydan @ 6/1
Gary Moore’s Rydan has shown up well on both outings so far this season (both of which came over C&D) and it would appear as though he’s been found a contest here that should enable him to find that little bit extra performance wise.
Having run with plenty of credit first time out after 84 days off, this previous Class 3 winner put in what was probably a better performance than the bare figures suggest last time out. In an event that boasted more strength in depth than this contest, the six-year-old ran on well to take 5th close home having been positioned poorly throughout (forced widest of all on home turn).
Stall nine might not be ideal but, in a race of this distance, if positioned slightly better by the man entrusted to ride (Shane Kelly) then there’s every chance Rydan can run a big race.
Having beaten the selection by a neck last time out, before following up with a win at Kempton, it’s no surprise to see Sennockian Star heading the early market, but he might just have done his winning for now and looks for too short. After all, had Rydan not been forced wide last time out, it’s fancied that he would’ve got the better of that rival anyway.
We’re talking about a runner who’s often performed well in these sort of events and has been shaping as though there’s probably a win in him sooner or later. All things considered, this looks a decent opportunity and, at odds of 6/1, Moore’s entrant is worth supporting.
16:35 Cheltenham – Byron Flyer @ 20/1 (each-way)
The last at Cheltenham is a typically competitive handicap, although nothing less is expected from jumps racing’s premier venue, where several appear to hold decent claims.
One who does catch they eye at bigger odds is the Ian Williams trained Byron Flyer. The six-year-old has made a name for himself as a prolific winner over timber and there’s every chance that he has more to give at this level.
Having already won at this grade, he’s proven himself to be quite the competitor, despite not yet hitting the same heights as last campaign. What’s particularly interesting here – perhaps the main reason for being as big in the betting as he is – is the step-down in trip. At first glance, it might appear that going back in trip isn’t a positive; however, judging by the manner in which he’s hit the front going well three flights from the finish over further, without really opening up in the latter part of the race, the drop could easily prove to be a shrewd move. If anything, the step-down (in my mind at least) is a reason to be optimistic.
There are of course plenty of nice types in this race, but, it’s fancied that Byron Flyer has the ability to remain competitive in such an event and is fancied to go well at a nice price.
The strong-travelling type, who seems to continue getting himself in contention, really does look to have a better chance than his early price suggests. Seeing him cut his way through the pack late in the day would be no surprise and, therefore, this is definitely one who warrants each-way support at 20’s.
See all of Saturday’s tips here.