Chepstow hosts an interesting eight-race card on Tuesday afternoon. Paul Nicholls had a treble at the meeting last year including Stage Star who went on to win a Grade 1. Having absolutely cleaned up last year, confidence must be high for a few winners here. The champion trainer has four particularly interesting runners this year and all of them have strong chances. Check out our free tips page daily content across British and Irish racing.
Henri The Second (4-5, bet365) won the bumper on this card last year and looked like a smart prospect when doing so. Lorcan Williams gave him a terrific ride as he looked very green and awkward to steer. Much more professional when winning a Listed bumper at Ascot next time and beating the Champion Bumper fifth by a length. Had excuses when pulling up in Aintree’s Grade 2 bumper and retains plenty of potential now going over hurdles.
Makin’yourmindup (5-1, bet365) finished a very distant second on hurdles debut at Wincanton back in March. It was an unusual race and the field was very strung out. Nicholls’ horses often improve plenty with time as they are patiently brought through. It would be fair to expect a stronger horse this time around with another summer on his back. This is potentially the weaker of the two divisions which should provide a good opportunity to shed his maiden tag.
Connections have had to be patient with Cap Du Mathan (4-1, William Hill) who missed 714 days after winning his maiden hurdle at Plumpton in January 2020. Cruised home on his comeback at Taunton in despite over-racing throughout and scored by almost 10 lengths. Far too keen in a much hotter race at Ascot next time and he unsurprisingly failed to compete. If his trainer can get him to settle better, he could be an exciting recruit to fences this season.
Hurricane Danny (2-1, bet365) has the same owners as Henri The Second and connections will be looking to repeat the trick by winning this race again. This gelding wasn’t a cheap purchase at €150,000 and his pedigree looks smart. Nicholls has won three of the last four renewals of this race and could make it four from five here.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.