14:00
Nottingham
Thursday’s angles: Nurseries are back, Grade 3 action in Ireland and Elliott at Perth
Two-year-old handicaps, or nurseries, are often competitive and interesting affairs and the first couple of the season take place on Thursday. Limerick hosts the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle, which Willie Mullins has won four times in the last decade, and Gordon Elliott is launching a huge raid at Perth. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Nottingham’s nurseries
There are several things to look out for when trying to find the winner of a nursery, including trainers who tend to do well in that sphere and handicap debutants trying a new trip for the first time.
Tom Dascombe always does well in this sphere and he runs last time out winner Yahaira in the opening race. Tom Lacey’s Courseyoudo showed signs of improvement when fifth on his latest start and it’s noted that he goes up to 6f for the first time on this occasion.
Another trainer to follow in this sphere is David Evans and the experienced Undercover Affair, who has been busy in sellers and novice races. Havana Gift took a big step forward to finish second at Musselburgh last time out and the switch to handicaps should suit her nicely.
Grimes Hurdle
We’ve got the rare treat off some mid-week graded action at Limerick so you won’t want to miss the Grimes Hurdle at 5.20. Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are both represented, with the former set to have three runners, whilst Ireland’s champion trainer will have just the one.
Daddy Long Legs is the mount of Paul Townend and he returned to winning ways at Ballinrobe back in May. He has won at this level in the past so don’t rule out a big run from him. Bowensonfire looks like Gordon Elliott’s best chance and the useful handicapper will be ridden by Jack Kennedy.
Last year’s winner Jesse Evans is also in the line up for Noel Meade and he was last seen winning over fences at Listowel last month. Willie Mullins has won this race four times in the last decade and his representative could be the one to side with.
Gordon Elliott goes big at Perth
Gordon Elliott has one winner from four runners at Perth so far this season and the Irishman will have five chances to add to his tally on Thursday. Clanokre Lass showed signs of progress at Clonmel last time out and it’s likely that there’s more to come from her.
Sean Bowen rides Gunnery Sergeant but the six-year-old probably has a bit to find on recent form, although improvement can’t be ruled out.
Lenko has struggled badly in three starts in maiden company but low grade handicaps such as this are much more likely to suit. The best is yet to come from him, although he has lots to find.
Thehairyfella finished second off this mark over course and distance in October and a reproduction of that form would give him every chance.
Elliott’s best chance of a winner appears to be Creadan Grace, who won a Down Royal handicap back in October. She’s now back down to a very attractive handicap mark.
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