Saturday 27th March:

#IWAC – ORCHADSTOWN CROSS – First try in a veterans race for this ten-year old who already has a course win to his name over a furlong shorter two years ago when competing off a low mark. He’s 14lb higher now but has been edging down the weights in recent starts having not figured the last three outings. He was a fair third on return back in November in a good race at Exeter when beating just over six-lengths off 5lb higher and he’s only 2lb above the mark in which he last won off. This drying ground will be in his favour, the trip is fine and I’d expect him to be going well for a yard who is operating at a 27% strike-rate currently (past fortnight). (8/1) – William Hill – 0.5pt ew – Lost (-1)

#NAP – GOOD BALL – Competitive little handicap but I do think Paul Nicholls horse is the one to beat. He won on British hurdling debut at this course back in December and was second the last day over the same C&D when behind Gowel Road who disappointed in the County Hurdle last week. He takes a step up in trip on better ground which should bring about much more improvement on this handicap debut and his opening mark of 131 looks one in which he should be capable of winning off. He was beaten just over a length in France behind 138-rated Teahupoo (who held festival entries last week) which is good form as that horse has won both Irish starts including a Grade 3 latest. (11/4) – Bet365 – 1pt – WON (+3.48)

Stake: 2pts

March P/L: +2.83pts

Overall P/L (Sept ’17-present): +579pts