Johnny Ward previews the Irish action on Monday, live on Racing TV, and as usual he is looking for value at the longer end of the market.
Not the easiest of starts for punters in the post-Christmas period, with some really costly hot favourites being beaten, but we're only at halfway.
With a view to Cheltenham, I was hugely impressed yesterday by French Aseel, who looks hugely exciting, so Zanahiyr could have a battle on come March.
Monday is a tough day's punting but there are winners to be had. Be lucky.
Unexpected Depth won well at Punchestown last time
It was a hell of a performance for this horse to win as he did on his reappearance, with his yard having struggled so badly until recently, and he has now won three out of his last four.
Liam McKenna is an excellent booking to claim off 7lb and he looks really talented at this level of combat.
Lorna Fowler, from a famous racing family, has thrived as a trainer, with an excellent ten per cent strike-rate so far. And Wild Rumour is intriguing, since she was second in a maiden hurdle at this meeting on soft ground two seasons ago. She has been put in at a very big price, yet again shaped well last time and now reverts to maiden company.
Conor Orr is good value for his claim and 4this is a weak race.
Dinny Lacey was good enough to win a bumper and he shaped well in maiden hurdles. He took a backwards step last time but was not disgraced and he shaped really well previously behind Assemble at Fairyhouse. He has plenty of potential off his mark here.