Cracking the puzzle with Maddy Playle's tips for all ten ITV races on Easter Monday

Maddy Playle provides her selections for a competitive Easter Monday on ITV . . . 

2.25 Plumpton
Bob Champion Cancer Trust Sussex Champion Handicap Chase, 2m3½f

Playle's pick: I'd Like To Know

A competitive race with last year's winner off a decent mark and several who have been racing against each other. However, preference is for I'd Like To Know, who has delivered on last year's hurdling promise in two runs over fences. He didn't do much in front when an impressive winner at Newbury last time and more is expected now. 

I'd Like To Know14:25 Plumpton

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Jky: Rex Dingle Tnr: Chris Gordon

2.40 Fairyhouse
O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m

Playle's pick: Givemefive

I’m not convinced this year’s Boodles was a deep running and am therefore keen to take on Ndaawi with the British runner Givemefive, who put up an admirable fight to a top-class prospect last time in Kalif Du Berlais. Harry Derham’s horses continue to run excellently.

Givemefive14:40 Fairyhouse

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Jky: Paul O'Brien Tnr: Harry Derham

2.55 Kempton
Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Magnolia Stakes (Listed), 1m2f

Playle's pick: Lion's Pride 

Dubai Honour sets the standard but he hasn't been at his best for a while and could be worth taking on, especially if this is a prep run for an international target. Lion's Pride has to give him 3lb, but was a pleasing winner over two furlongs further at this track when last seen and has the potential to become a top performer. 

Lion's Pride14:55 Kempton (A.W)

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Jky: Kieran Shoemark Tnr: John & Thady Gosden

3.15 Fairyhouse
Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle, 2m6f

Playle's pick: Positive Thinker

The consistent Positive Thinker ran a cracker to be second to the leading Irish National contender Hartur D’Arc in the Leinster National last time and is now switched to hurdles, over which he is rated 11lb lower. He can make the weight he gets from O’Moore Park count. 

Positive Thinker15:15 Fairyhouse

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Jky: Cian Quirke (5lb)Tnr: Michael J McDonagh

3.30 Kempton
Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap, 1m3f

Playle's pick: Liseo

A trappy affair in which Oslo and Isle Of Sark have interesting claims. The selection is Liseo, who was behind Isle Of Sark at Southwell last time when the race did not pan out in his favour. He tends to bring his best to this track, where he has run creditably in better races than this, and his Racing Post Ratings make for appealing reading.

Liseo15:30 Kempton (A.W)

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Jky: Harry Davies Tnr: Simon & Ed Crisford

3.50 Fairyhouse
Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m4f

Playle's pick: Zarak The Brave 

He wasn’t disgraced when fourth to State Man in the Champion Hurdle and a replication of that form should see him win this. He’s very smart and boasts a likeable record. The tongue-tie applied to Thedevilscoachman suggests connections are searching for improvement.

Zarak The Brave15:50 Fairyhouse

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Jky: Paul Townend Tnr: W P Mullins

4.05 Kempton
Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap, 6f

Playle's selection: The Thames Boatman

The Thames Boatman produced a career-best performance by some margin at Lingfield last time and ought to go close again here under smart 7lb claimer Ethan Jones. A keen-going type, he tends to be held up, which will hopefully help negate his wide draw. His only previous run over this course and distance was respectable. 

The Thames Boatman16:05 Kempton (A.W)

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Jky: Ethan Jones (7lb)Tnr: Richard Hughes

4.20 Fairyhouse
McInerney Properties Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2), 2m3½f

Playle's pick: Saint Sam

It wouldn’t surprise me if any of the main protagonists won this race but Paul Townend has opted for Saint Sam, which gives him the edge. He was impressive in a Grade 2 last time and, unlike his stablemate Appreciate It and Journey With Me, he’s a young, in-form horse with scope for improvement.

Saint Sam16:20 Fairyhouse

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Jky: Paul Townend Tnr: W P Mullins

4.40 Kempton
Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap, 1m

Playle's selection: Dragon Icon

He has been a little bit frustrating to follow but Dragon Icon has also had excuses, including last time when he encountered trouble in running. He has shaped like a potential Pattern performer on other occasions, so he should be well handicapped as a result. These conditions, which he has already proved he likes, should see a standout effort.

Dragon Icon16:40 Kempton (A.W)

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Jky: James Doyle Tnr: Roger Varian

5.00 Fairyhouse
BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade 3), 3m5f

Playle's selection: Yeah Man

Perhaps not the strongest running but plenty of improving young horses make it an intriguing affair. Yeah Man, who won the Grand National Trial at Haydock from a rock-solid mare in My Silver Lining, is still unexposed. He's versatile with regards to ground, responds generously for pressure – cheekpieces applied last time, idled once clear – and there looks further room in his mark.

Yeah Man17:00 Fairyhouse

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Jky: Keith Donoghue Tnr: Gavin Cromwell

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