Tuesday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

There are only six runners in this 0-120 handicap chase but it looks to be between course and distance winners Ernest Gray and TASTE THE FEAR (best priced at 5/2). Preference goes to Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole trained nine-year-old who showed a good attitude to win by ¾ lengths in first time blinkers last time. He had appeared the lose his way when beaten 14 lengths, 51 lengths and 26 lengths but as a result he had dropped down to a career low mark of 108.

The handicapper has raised Taste The Fear 4lbs back to up to a mark of 112 for that success but his other career victories in handicaps came off marks of 123 and 114 so he remains well handicapped no his previous form. The 5lb claim of Luke Scott will aid his chances and I expect him to make it 2/2 in blinkers. 

With a rating of 80 on the flat and only a rating of 90 over hurdles, it is easy to see why Therapist is proving popular with punters but she has been a beaten favourite on her three runs for Nicky Henderson and preference instead goes to ILLUCIDATE (best priced at 10/1). The Amy Murphy trained four-year-old didn’t show a huge amount in her three starts over hurdles but now makes her handicap debut off an opening mark of 95.

Illucidate is now fitted with first time cheekpieces on her handicap debut which seems significant and she can hopefully win this contest with question marks about a lot of her rivals. 

This looks a competitive 0-110 handicap chase but a chance is taken on CAN’T BEAT HISTORY (best priced at 15/2) who won by 14 lengths over this course and distance when last seen. The Henry Oliver trained eight-year-old won by the same distance at Market Rasen in August off a mark of 83 before winning easily when last seen over this course and distance in October off a mark of 88.

The handicapper has raised him 9lbs for that victory which is fair and he has been kept away from the soft winter ground since. Returning from a 203 day break shouldn’t be a concern and he is expected to run well with regular rider Lee Edwards once again on board.