Angus McNae: four free horse racing tips for Sunday

12.50 Navan: Grangeclare West

He is an expensive purchase from the pointing field and following last season's bumper success is clearly a very useful prospect.

I was very impressed with Grangeclare West when he won at Punchestown, running out a comfortable nine-length winner from subsequent five-time winner Salvador Ziggy. The form looks very solid with the third horse home having also won since that race.

The subsequent lay-off is a concern, but I think we can trust in Willie Mullins to have him ready for this return to the track.

1.20 Navan: American Mike

Gordon Elliott has won four of the last five renewals of this race and can strike in this contest once again.

American Mike promised to make into a useful hurdler after finishing second to Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and he made a smooth transition to hurdling with a win on debut at Down Royal. He travelled and jumped well throughout and won easily by six and a half lengths.

He looks to be a strong stayer and this two and a half mile trip may prove to be a minimum for now, but he should get the job done here before moving on to better things.

2.00 Carlisle: Rivière D’Etel

This is a big class drop for this mare and she should win with the minimum of fuss.

Riviere D'Etel was second in the Grade Two Fortria chase at Navan on her seasonal reappearance and looked a little rusty and made mistakes. That run should have sharpened her up and, given that she has been placed in Grade One chases, should find things a lot easier here.

That Gordon Elliott has picked this race out for her amid a host of opportunities in Ireland is a tip in itself and I am happy to take the hint.

3.00 Carlisle: Hold That Taught

The Venetia Williams team have caught fire in the last 10 days and Hold That Taught can provide them with another winner.

He won here at Carlisle off a mark of 128 last season and seems to still be legitimate off 132. After that course win, two of his three runs came in the Welsh National and a Listed chase at Ascot where he was uncompetitive but this drop in grade and return to this track could bring about a revival.

He can be his trainer's next winner and looks reasonably priced at the time of writing.