I was pretty happy with how things went yesterday as we recorded some big-priced winners and the NAP won for the fourth day in a row. With Aintree coming up next week, some more winners today would be wonderful.
Sunday's racing takes place over the jumps at Ascot and on the flat at Doncaster. A flat meeting at Cork and Fairyhouse over the jumps are the two meetings in Ireland.
Advert
Here are Danny Archer's selections...
Champagne on ice with Domperignon at Ascot
2:30: Ascot - Domperignon Du Lys 11/4
Advert
Has won two races over hurdles and to be fair was a decent 11th in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival. He looks capable of getting his head back in front in this two-mile event.
3:05: Ascot - Value At Risk 2/1 **NON-RUNNER**
Dan Skelton's charge was a seriously classy bumper horse who has been inconsistent over both hurdles and fences. However, this eight-year-old son of Kayf Tara won over the larger obstacles in October and having been waited with for the better ground, he could have a really good spring campaign and should win here.
Advert
South American feel with Venezuela at Cork
2:35: Cork - Son Of Rest evens
Advert
Fourth in the Group One National Stakes in September at the Curragh and he did stay on well that day. Reverting to handicap company for this event, he should be OK on the ground and can get his head front at the third time of asking.
3:10: Cork - Venezuela 4/5
Aidan O'Brien's horses are in really good form already this season and this well-bred son of Galileo was an excellent second at Leopardstown in June and he fancied to score at the second attempt.
3:45: Cork - Dabulena 6/4
Advert
Dermot Weld does a great job with his young horses and despite this being this filly's first run, she could well make a winning debut.
4:20: Cork - Zelaniya 5/4 NAP
Ran well to finish third at Naas last year and she should come on for that run. Dermot Weld's horses are in good form and she looks the one to be on, particularly as this daughter of Lawman should appreciate the return to a mile.
4:55: Cork - Bainne 7/1 Each Way
Ran well at Dundalk when third over a mile and off a mark of 76 on turf, a rating he won off in October, he could represent some value.
Dream to be king of the Castle at Doncaster
2:45: Doncaster - Dream Castle Evens.
Son of Frankel who is entered in the 2000 Guineas. To win first time out is a tough ask but he could be up to it.
3:55: Doncaster - Muntahaa 2/1.
Fourth in the St Leger at Town Moor in December. First run of the season but should be tuned up for this and will enjoy the drop in class here.
4:30: Doncaster - Carnageo 5/1 Each Way.
Richard Fahey's horses are in good form and this four-year-old son of Pivotal won at Ripon and Nottingham last year and despite having to operate off a career-high mark, he could be an improver.
5:05: Doncaster - Khalidi 2/1 and First Nation 13/2 Each Way.
Khalidi won his last two starts last season which included a victory at Town Moor last time. Stepping up to a mile and a quarter here, he could prove good enough on his first start of the season. The race First Nation won at Wolverhampton was not a spectacular contest but he is entitled to improve for that and may represent some Each Way value.
D'Arc to have a Ball at Fairyhouse
2:20: Fairyhouse - Ball D'Arc 7/4.
Gordon Elliott's team are in fine fettle and he was a decisive winner at Naas last time. He looks to have a great chance of gaining his fourth success in a row.
2:55: Fairyhouse - Woodland Opera 11/8.
Third to the exciting Great Field at Leopardstown last time, he might be able to get his head in front in a race with a host of exposed runners.
4:05: Fairyhouse - Invitation Only 6/4.
Third to Death Duty at Navan in December when last seen and whilst he was disappointing that day, particularly with the way he jumped, he should make amends here.
4:40: Fairyhouse - Close Shave 5/1 Each Way.
Fourth at Navan last time but was staying on nicely that day and with Barry Geraghty on board, he might be able to run a big race in a competitive event.
324/1 Lucky 15
2:20: Fairyhouse - Ball D'Arc 7/4
3:05: Ascot - Value At Risk 2/1 *NON-RUNNER*
3:10: Cork - Venezuela 4/5
4:20: Cork - Zelaniya 5/4
Add Woodland Opera (11/8) in the 2:15 at Fairyhouse to replace Value At Risk.
**NEW ADDITIONS**
2:05: Cork - Downforce 5/1 Each Way.
Likes heavy ground which is a major plus for this race. Third to the smart Sovereign Debt in September and if tuned up for his seasonal debut, he should go well.
1:50: Fairyhouse - Look Closer 8/1 Each Way.
Tentative selection but he might prove better than he has showed in three starts over hurdles to date in this handicap event.
1:45: Doncaster - Ballymore Castle 8/1 Each Way.
Doesn't often get his head in front having won just once in 24 starts but he is now 18lb lower than his best rating of 100. He looks good Each Way value