Horse Racing Tips: Rhys Williams' NAP is a novice hurdler at Sedgefield

Removal of the hood to bring improvement

Sedgefield 18:50: Allbetsoff 1pt win 5/2

Larusso heads the market for this novice hurdle after a good run in defeat at Uttoxeter last time and he jumped better that day than on his previous run at Stratford but I think he faces stiffer competition from the second favourite than the market suggests.

Allbetsoff was a £13,000 purchase at the Goffs UK August Sale and I think he has a good chance to get off the mark today now back on a left-handed track and with the hood coming off. After showing a bit of promise early in the year, he ran well when there was a change of tactics at Kilbeggan in May.

He was sent to the front at the off that day and despite jumping out to the left on a few occasions, he continued to hold that advantage until being headed by Backing Band on the run-in.

He ran well again on handicap debut next time when stepped up to 3m at Tipperary when he faded after 2 out but patient tactics didn't work at Listowel on his second start in a handicap.

He ran a bit better next time at Tramore before improving on that last time at Ballinrobe when dropped back in trip and ridden more aggressively. He was pushed along at the start to get into a very prominent position and then went to the front with just over a circuit to go.

He continued to hold that position until he looked a bit awkward on the final bend and was headed before plugging on again to take third.

I think he's a strong stayer at this trip and the application of a hood hasn't helped him as he's relaxed too much so removing that today could bring improvement. His front running tactics will also put pressure on Larusso and Allbetsoff could outstay that rival having run well over further in the past.

There is the unknown over exactly what impact the trainer switch will have and there is a slight concern over Allbetsoff's jumping but I think there's too much between the front pair given the ability they've shown and any 2/1 or bigger appeals.