The Punt Daily: James Stevens with two free horse racing tips on Sunday

BANKER

Jony Max (4.00 Plumpton)

For a five-runner race this is quite competitive but it is worth siding with the improver of the field Jony Max, who always looked like one who could be a fair bit better than his current rating. His Wincanton race is hard to assess as he was challenged by a horse who suddenly pulled up sharply but he was well clear of the rest. There is further evidence he remains competitive too – he went okay before a blunder cost him at Fakenham in December while the ground looked too soft when second last time. This better surface and return to a similar trip to his Wincanton victory looks the right move. Given he won there, the sharp track should not be a problem either. Christian Williams' runners are in good shape and this one is poised to go well.

EACH-WAY PLAY

Dubai Station (5.05 Newbury)

The unbeaten Mine's A Double comes into the season with the 'could be anything' tag but he may be worth be taking on with a horse who has a good record fresh. Dubai Station won the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes on the day racing resumed from the pandemic in 2020 and that is a strong piece of form when he lines up here off just 97. He has an unfortunate strings of seconds next to his name but all those who beat him were rated higher in conditions races towards the end of the season, so this may finally be his chance. The good ground would suit and he runs consistent at five furlongs. He could well be overpriced here.

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday