Cheek Pieces

Sunday 17th April

No bet on Sunday

Easter Monday 18th April

One of interest at Redcar, Il Bandito (3:24) was sent for home a long way out on seasonal debut and his first start for James Horton. That was over a mile at the track, both wins have come over seven furlongs and a drop back in trip should be appreciated:

Redcar 3:24 – IL BANDITO – 1 point win @ 11/4 (Bet365; 5/2 Hills)

In the sprint handicap (3:59) Rathbone is 1lb worse off with the favourite Woven for 1 ½ length difference when the pair met in the Ayr Silver Cup in September. Woven is yet to win over six furlongs after nineteen attempts. Rathbone has placed twice on the AW this spring despite it not being his preferred surface, he is nought from nine on artificial surfaces, and returns to turf on a 3lbs lower mark than his last win a year ago. He needs a sound surface, but there shouldn’t be a price difference of over 5 points between the pair and any drying up of the ground will help:

Redcar 3:59 – RATHBONE – 1 point win @ 8/1 (generally)

Mount Kosciuszko (4:34) steps up to a mile for the first time and looks capable of improving past a mark of [67] based on the form of his novice run at Newmarket in September. However, I was hoping for significantly better than 9/4.

At Fairyhouse, Decimation (3:15) is looking to gain compensation for an early fall in the Conditionals’ race at the Festival last time out. The gelding was only beaten a neck by Ashdale Bob on the card last year in a grade 2 over 2½m and a repeat of that can see him go close off [135]. Falcano could be a danger stepping back in trip on the likely better ground:

Fairyhouse 3:15 – DECIMATION – ½ point win @ 10/1 (bet365; 9/1 generally)

Fairyhouse 3:15 – FALCANO – ½ point win @ 7/1 (generally)

For the Irish Grand National Chase (5:00) I have three against the field starting with the favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil (13/2). He looks to all the world to be crying out for a longer trip having been outpaced in grade 1 chases all season and has the potential to go two places better than he has in all four starts, albeit from the wrong side of 11 stone. At the other end of the market, Streets Of Doyen could outrun his price (80/1). He also has some decent graded form in his back catalogue, things haven’t gone right for him recently but a return to a sounder surface may see a return to form. In between, another novice, Fakir D'alene (25/1) has to be of interest. He ran well last time out when stepped up in trip behind Chambard in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. However, I can’t really advise three in the same race so I suggest an interest at smaller stakes.

Have a Happy Easter!