WISH AND WONDER FOR PETERBOROUGH WIN

Todays sees Huntingdon's big race day take place, the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase. Nicky Richards' Eduard is probably a deserving favourite but my only slight reservation regarding him is that his trainer's horses can often just come up short when plying their trade at southern racecourses, as oppose to northern races. WISHFULL THINKING was imperious on his seasonal re-appearance when decimating the opposition in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree. You could argue he was slightly disappointing in the Amlin 1965 Chase following that but he was beaten by an Al Ferof who appeared to be back on the top of his game and yesterday's Tingle Creek second Somersby. That is not bad form when you look at it. He beat Rajdhani Express that day; he re-opposes today but there should be no reason as to why the form should be reversed. The Nicholls juggernaut seems to be hitting top gear now with Vibrato Valtat and Dodging Bullets scooping the Grade 1, 2 mile races at Sandown 24 hours ago. His WONDERFUL CHARM looks to have a decent chance in this. He won well at Newton Abbot on his first start of the season then was soundly beaten by Don Cossack. The fact that Gordon Elliot's raider is joint favourite for the Group 1 at Punchestown today shows how much talent he has, so you could argue that Wonderful Charm ran to form. This task is slightly easier today and therefore needs respecting. French Opera doesn't look the horse he once was and De Boitron could be tilting at windmills here.

Wishfull Thinking

Wonderful Charm

2:35 Huntingdon- Birch Hill will no doubt come on for his Rules debut at Cheltenham but he was beaten that day by AQALIM. At the prices, John Ferguson's representative is worth taking on; his bumper form behind Ballybolley is pretty solid form. Hannah's Princess could prove a threat given her weight allowance but she will need to step up on her previous efforts over hurdles.

3:05 Huntingdon- Henderson and Geraghty always need to be respected as a combination in both bumpers and races at Huntingdon. This, together with the fact that ROBINS REEF is running in a Listed race on her debut suggest that she has a big chance. Connections of this Robin Des Champs filly must think plenty of her to run in a race like this so early on in her career.

Punchestown hold the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase today. This is a race that features this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup victor, LORD WINDERMERE. He will undoubtedly come on for the run, or runs as last season showed but at 10/1, you've got to show the reigning Gold Cup champion a little respect. A horse who has form over Lord Windermere, based on last season, is TEXAS JACK. 2 miles 4 furlongs is his optimum trip but is another who will come on for the run. In honesty, the race should probably be between the two market principals; out of those two the selection would be Don Cossack- Boston Bob's reappearance was a little flat in my opinion. He will obviously come on for that run but he could take at least one more run, based on that Down Royal run, to return to peak fitness. But at the prices, neither of these two are chosen. Remember, my two selections are clearly no slouches.

12:30 Punchestown- Rock The World is far too short a favourite in my eyes. Instead, a value alternative is A SIZING NETWORK. He won a novices hurdle recently and if he can build on that, he should be well up to giving the favourite a fright.

And finally, Cork also host another fantastic Irish card. This is headlined by the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase, a Grade 2 contest. Favourite Twinlight is a talented individual but he can be capable of putting in some mediocre performance so is a risky proposition given his place in the market. Felix Yonger is also useful but he has been finding a few too good for him lately. ALDERWOOD has some smart form at 2 miles and his second behind Champagne Fever last time out could prove to be very smart form. He gets on well with AP McCoy so hopefully he can produce a win out of the 2013 Grand Annual winner. DAYS HOTEL is a massive price for a horse that has decent performances in him (he won this race two years ago).

1:15 Cork- This is a very exciting novices hurdle but it's a shame that No More Heroes has been withdrawn. Gigginstown could still taste success in this though, courtesy of ALPHA DES OBEAUX. Highly touted by trainer Mouse Morris, he won his latest outing with minimal fuss. Black Hercules is obviously the one to beat but my selection could well be up to it.

Enjoy your Sunday

Happy Punting!