The last couple of days have been tough but this is a difficult time of the year as the jump season is coming to its prolonged end and the flat is still warming up.
That means I'm reluctant to give too many horses at the minute.
Flat racing takes place at Catterick on the turf and at Lingfield on the All Weather in the evening. Perth in the afternoon and Exeter in the evening stage jump meetings, whilst selections for the second day of the Punchestown Festival can be found here. Our man Danny Archer is off to Epsom to report on the Investec Derby Trial on what looks a decent card there.
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Here are his selections...
3:25: Catterick - Cape Love 6/1 Each Way (1/5).
Been pretty disappointing since winning a maiden at Thirsk in August 2015. This well-bred son of Cape Blanco was fifth on his latest start at Beverley but it's interesting that this gelding has changed hands to now be in the care of this shrewd handler. It's intriguing in itself that he has decided to continue with the four-year-old who is down to an official rating of 70 which looks something he might be able to off.
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4:00: Catterick - Dundunah 2/1.
Ran well to finish third to what looks a very smart sprinter at Pontefract in September. If he's fit to do himself justice, a mark of 69 looks workable.
2:45: Epsom - Cracksman 8/11.
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A general 12/1 chance for the Derby having already been supplemented for the race, this three-year-old son of Frankel represents the same connections who saddled Golden Horn to a 2015 Derby victory but in Gosden and Dettori, who have also won the last two renewals of this trial.
No horse has done the Derby Trial and Derby double since 1939 but this colt knuckled down well on debut to beat some decent horses in behind. Despite his breeding suggesting a mile would be his trip, the step up to 10 furlongs should suit and he is fancied to justify the hype.
3:15: Epsom - Galapiat 7/4.
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Sent a long way by his Middleham handler and this colt is regally bred. A son of Galileo he dotted up on his debut for Mark Johnston at Leicester earlier this month. He made a mockery of that mark but despite an 11lb rise, he might still be ahead of the handicapper.
4:50: Exeter - Glimpse Of Gold 7/4.
One of the weakest jump races I have ever seen which should make the job slightly easier for Tim Vaughan's charge to gain his third successive victory.
4:45: Lingfield - Vatican Hill 5/6.
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Outclassed in last few races but had won over course and distance in December and he looks to have a very strong chance of landing the spoils with Kirby in the plate.
5:50: Lingfield - Krazy Paving 11/2 Each Way (1/5).
Been in a rich vein of form on the All-Weather so far this year. Ran no sort of race latest and I think the Kyllachy gelding will improve after having a break.
6:55: Lingfield - Replenish 5/2.
Goes well fresh and finish a very decent third in two hot contests at Kempton and Newcastle on the All-Weather at the backend of last year and he fancied to build on those efforts.
2:00: Perth - Royal Village 4/6.
Should finally get his head in front after running well in defeat last two times. He really should have won last time but made far too many costly mistakes. He is taken to atone for that defeat here.
3:05: Perth - Aintree My Dream 2/1.
Been in excellent form and justified short odds at Hereford last time with ease. He should build on that.
8/1 Win Double
3:15: Epsom - Galapiat
3:05: Perth - Aintree My Dream
42/1 Each Way Double
3:25: Catterick - Cape Love
5:50: Lingfield - Krazy Paving
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