Alan Thomson’s Racing Tips: Air Pilot looks a soaring success

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AIR PILOT (3.10) has a tough task under top weight in the Listed race at Newmarket but his class can see him master some serious opposition.

Although he handles soft ground, Air Pilot probably found the track riding too deep at Ayr last time but still ran well to finish fourth to Dolphin Vista. The placed horses, Morando and Aspetar, have performed very well since in quality races and Air Pilot gets the nod over Plutonian and Collide.

GO CONQUER (3.35) makes plenty of appeal in the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot. Last year, when trained by Jonjo O’Neill. Go Conquer ran out an impressive winner and there is no reason why he cannot repeat the feat for new handler Nigel Twiston-Davies. He goes well fresh.

Bryony Frost made a spectacular return to action following a bad injury when Frodon landed the Old Roan Chase last week and she has another big-race chance on Black Corton in the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

I’m a bit concerned the Yorkshire track will be riding too quick for her mount and DOUBLE SHUFFLE (2.40) could be the answer. Tom George’s gelding chased home Might Bite in the King George at Kempton and is another to go well following a break.

TAXMEIFYOUCAN (3.25) can strike for the Keith Dalgleish home team in an interesting Tennents-sponsored Scottish Champion Hurdle Trial at Ayr. The weather forecast is dire, so the track is almost certain to be riding deep, but that shouldn’t bother Taxmeifyoucan, a multiple winner in the mud both on the flat and over hurdles. Still only a four-year-old, he should be spot on following a spin on the level at Ayr’s big September fixture when third to in-form Arrowtown. Peter Bowen’s Potters Story is up 11lb after romping home by 21 lengths at Ffos Las (heavy) but remains a formidable opponent along with Donald McCain’s top weight Chti Balko.

SASSY DIVA (12.30) could prove a class apart in the opening mares’ maiden hurdle. She posted a career-best when second to Cheltenham/Punchestown bumper winner Fayonagh at Fairyhouse last September and although not spotted since finishing second over hurdles on New Year’s Day, Sassy Diva should be suitably wound up. She has won a Wexford bumper on heavy.

JUSTATENNER (2.15) finished third to Rolling Maul at Perth in September but is slightly better off at the revised weights. Rolling Maul has since ploughed through the mud to win at Newton Abbot over 3m 2f but 11st 12lb is a lot of weight to shoulder in this ground.

MONBEG RIVER (1.40) lost out in a photo to Imjoeking here over two miles in March but seemed to improve for the step up to 2m 5f at Aintree when third to Dan Skelton’s useful Virgilio.

Recommended bets

• Newmarket 3.10 – Air Pilot (4-1, McBookie)
• Ascot 3.35 – Go Conquer (7-2, William Hill)
• Wetherby 2.40 – Double Shuffle (5-2, bet365)
• Ayr 3.25 – Taxmeifyoucan (7-1, bet365)
• Ayr 12.30 – Sassy Diva (4-5, Paddy Power)
• Ayr 1.40 – Monbeg River (5-1, Paddy Power)
• Ayr 2.15 – Justatenner (11-2, Betfair)

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