Cracking the puzzle with Maddy Playle's tips for all ten ITV races on Easter Monday
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more . . .
Kempton Placepot picks: Richard Birch's eight-line perm for a decent all-weather card
David Jennings' play of the day on Irish Grand National day at Fairyhouse
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Last updated
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- 4.15 Thirsk: 'This is the next step forward' - can Paborus continue his good form for Ed Bethell on his handicap debut?
- 5.45 Thirsk: 'The form of his Goodwood race is very strong' - key quotes and analysis for the big-field sprint
- 3.16 Gowran: 'This trip will suit her' - Sluice the obvious starting point to give Joseph O'Brien a second success in trappy handicap
- 3.05 Chantilly: will Tamfana or Dance Sequence waltz to Classic glory in an open-looking Prix de Diane?
- Watch: Paul Kealy is in the hosting chair as Tom Segal and Aidan Coleman preview the weekend action on The Morning Post