Strong Irish challenge heads to Fontwell on Sunday with a 19-1 double ☘️☘️

Irish runners on British shores are always of interest. That is true whether at the Cheltenham Festival in two and a half weeks time or at Fontwell on a February Sunday. Gavin Cromwell is a regular visitor, sending two down to the south coast this weekend which make a 19-1 double. There is also action at Naas and Hereford for our horse racing tips to unpick.

1.50 Fontwell – Land & Power Ltd Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

There is a long odds on favourite here but he has been turned over the last twice as the market leader. Railway Hurricane represents Cromwell who finally got back on the winning trail in the week with Jeremys Flame. A very welcome winner for the yard.

It’s fair to say that his first season of chasing has not gone as well as connections would have hoped. A smart novice hurdler last year, reaching a mark of 131, he is ten pounds lower in a chase handicap here. He needs to step up but the fact that he has been sent over is more than interesting enough for his to be worthy of respect.

2.50 Fontwell – Royalequestrian Bedding And Manor Elite Horsebox National Spirit Hurdle

Darver Star was behind Brewin’upastorm when they met at the Winter Millions Festival at Lingfield but he looked to have that horse beaten all ends up when halfway up the home straight. The return to hurdles has seen him find his form again after a spell chasing.

He was placed in the Champion Hurdle in the past so this slightly less of a stamina test might just suit him. He was in front of Goshen at Lingfield who has won both of his starts since so although it was only a small field, it was a very smart contest overall.

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