Horse Racing Tips: Hitman could not have left a better impression on chasing debut

Paul Nicholls could have a potential superstar on his hands

Back Hitman @ 11/4 in the 13:50 Sandown

Paul Nicholls has won this seven times so he knows exactly what is required. Today he relies on Hitman, who was incredibly impressive on chasing debut at Ffos Las. He beat a 130-rated rival that day by 30 lengths and can take full advantage of his four-year-old allowance again (read what Paul Nicholls has to say about his chances here).

The pre-race favourite is Allmankind and I can see him making the running with Ga Law, that should play right into the hands of Hitman. If anything I thought he was a little bit keen at Ffos Las and these two front runners should allow him to settle into the race and allow Harry Cobden to sit and wait until the perfect time to allow him to take it up.

Didero Vallis will strip fitter for his Ascot outing

Back Didero Vallis @ 6/1 in the 15:15 Aintree

Venetia Williams runs her seven-year-old gelding Didero Vallis in this again this year, he finished fifth last year from 2lb higher and looks capable of doing much better this year. His run at Ascot was eyecatching in that he ran far better on his seasonal return than he has done in the past, only beaten 10 lengths returning from a break of 330 days. In 2018 he was beaten 84 lengths on his return and he pulled up in 2019, on both occasions he stepped up considerably second time up. I think he needs a pipe opener, so I expect him to be much better today under suitable conditions and given he is only seven, there should be more to come.

As usual the Grand Sefton is a highly competitive race, I think despite an impressive win at Wetherby, returning from an absence, it could be asking a bit too much to expect Huntsman Son to improve again and he is up 9lb. Lord Du Mesnil's best form is over further so this may be a little sharp for him. But another that I think could run well is Springtown Lake for Philip Hobbs. I think he can turn the tables on Modus (who he re-opposes today) he is 9lb better off at the weights today and he goes well on soft, he looks like he could at least run into a place.