3.10pm Warwick Tips & Betting Preview 21/04/2016

IN SUMMARY: Mustmeetalady took a while to assert when scoring over C&D after a break earlier in the month but the way he travelled through that race bodes well for his prospects of overcoming today’s 6lb higher mark at some stage. However, it’s difficult to get away from THE EAGLEHASLANDED (5/2), who bolted up at Cheltenham a week ago and is 5lb well-in under a penalty here. For Good Measure has quickly lost his way since easily winning his first two handicaps and now has a point to prove, but it would be reckless to write him off at this stage. The Artful Cobbler was also disappointing when last in action but he retains the potential to build on his earlier success.

1 Count Guido Deiro – 2-5 over hurdles after holding on gamely to make all at Newbury (3m, heavy) in February; could still have a bit more to offer but may not be seen to the same effect on today’s much faster ground and was pulled up in the Midlands National (over fences) on latest outing.

2 Easter Day – Displayed significant promise as a young horse but has become inconsistent and rather disappointing over hurdles and fences; went close in a heavy-ground chase in January and has dropped to a handy mark over hurdles, but looked very laboured when down the field in first-time blinkers at Ascot 18 days ago.

3 Mustmeetalady – Gained narrow success in novice company here (2m3f, good) in October and doubled career tally in C&D (soft) handicap after break this month; 6lb higher today but the way he travelled through his latest race suggests he could have more in the locker.

4 The Eaglehaslanded – Pulled up on heavy ground two starts ago but, having swapped cheekpieces for first-time blinkers, readily quickened clear to score at Cheltenham (3m, good) a week ago; 5lb ahead of the handicapper under 7lb penalty here and makes obvious appeal.

5 Grape Tree Flame – Gained the latest of her four hurdle wins in refitted cheekpieces over C&D (good to soft) last May; only 2lb higher today but has looked out of form on her three starts since returning from a break in November; has headgear back on now but needs to up her game.

6 For Good Measure – Lightly raced 5yo who easily won first two handicaps in December (2m/2m1f, both on heavy) but has struggled on both starts since returning from break last month (2m/2m5f); may yet get career back on track but has lots to prove over new trip today.

7 Return Spring – Pulled up over fences on first two starts this year but fared much better when close third back over hurdles in refitted blinkers at Ascot (2m7f, good to soft) this month; didn’t look wildly enthusiastic that day but remains well handicapped on old form and the longer trip here is a plus.

8 Rock On Rocky – Seemingly aided by first-time tongue-tie when going very close at Chepstow (2m3f, heavy) last month but had to settle for fifth off the same mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) a few days later; now 3lb higher in a stronger race and has stamina to prove over new trip.

9 The Artful Cobbler – Improved up very uninspiring novice form when scoring by 13l on handicap debut at Leicester (2m4f, heavy) in February; very disappointing favourite under 7lb penalty when upped to 3m a week later and full 15lb hike up the weights has now taken effect, but latest run may have come too soon and he remains unexposed.

10 City Supreme – Has displayed improvement since fitted with a hood for his three starts this year and opened account with 18l success at Newbury (3m, good to soft) three weeks ago, his 11th start over hurdles; was probably fortunate that day, though, and is now 6lb higher in a stronger race.

myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 The Eaglehaslanded, 9/2 Mustmeetalady, 6/1 City Supreme, 10/1 For Good Measure, Return Spring, The Artful Cobbler, 12/1 Count Guido Deiro, 14/1 Easter Day, Rock On Rocky, Grape Tree Flame