Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Sunday at Fairyhouse

• Katie Midwinter has selections at Fairyhouse on Sunday

• Diamond can shine in the opening contest

• Cullentra outsider can't be discounted in Grade 1

Fairyhouse, 12:05 - Back Chosen Diamond @ 3/14.00

Edward Cawley-trained Chosen Diamond makes his 23rd career start in this extended 2m5f handicap chase, bidding for a third success and his first over fences since a win at Naas two years ago. 

He was rated 8lb lower on that occasion, when beating 11 rivals by four-lengths under Jordan Gainford, and, although winless over the larger obstacles since, has been successful over timber from a rating of 96 earlier this year. 

Rated 100 here, with claimer Sarah Kavanagh taking 7lb off his already low weight, the nine-year-old gelding can pose a threat on his return to action. 

Absent for 223 days prior to this reappearance, fresh could be the time to catch Chosen Diamond on a going day considering he was able to win following a 231-day break in his sole success over fences to date. He has run well at this venue on numerous occasions in the past, too, and makes the most appeal at a price of 3/14.00.

Fairyhouse, 13:05 - Back Now Is The Hour @ 5/16.00

On the back of a respectable third-placed effort behind Final Demand at Navan, in which he was able to outrun odds of 33/134.00 to place, Now Is The Hour holds solid claims in this competitive handicap, capable of making his presence felt from a workable mark of 140. 

The eight-year-old gelding remains unexposed in contests such as this, but has shaped as a promising staying chaser with the potential to land a big pot. 

He was sent off at odds of 6/17.00 for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season when a late faller in his first handicap appearance over fences from a 1lb lower mark, and, although unable to make any impression when pulled up in the Irish Grand National, remains a horse of interest who could progress beyond his current rating.

Last year, Now Is The Hour showed great staying ability and coped well with testing conditions to record an emphatic 17-length success in a Haydock Grade Two for novice hurdlers, having previously landed his maiden by six-and-a-half-lengths at this venue. 

He had previous point form in his favour coming into his novice chasing campaign, having won by 30-lengths on point debut before being narrowly beaten by subsequent Supreme Novices' Hurdle fourth Asian Master at Belclare. 

There should be further improvement to come from Now Is The Hour, who could turn the tide on a dry spell for his trainer Gavin Cromwell with a valuable victory.

Fairyhouse, 13:05 - Back History Of Fashion E/W @ 25/126.00

Defending champion History Of Fashion won this contest twelve months ago when rated only 1lb lower under regular rider Harry Sexton, who once again claims 7lb. The course-and-distance winner is being overlooked as he attempts to double up, however, and represents each-way value at odds of 25/126.00. 

This is a tougher renewal but the experienced 11-year-old has proven form in the race and is on a handy mark despite coming into this year's contest in poorer form. He had defied odds of 40/141.00 to win at Down Royal prior to his appearance in the race last year, but has struggled for form in two recent runs and was pulled up in his final start of last season having had a disappointing trip to the Eider at Newcastle.

The Pat Fahy-trained veteran has been able to put a poor run behind him in the past to defy the odds and, although older and likely past his peak, remains capable of putting in a competitive effort and is impossible to discount based on last year's winning effort.

Fairyhouse, 13:35 - Back Blake E/W @ 12/113.00

In an interesting renewal of the Grade Two Royal Bond, it could be worth taking a chance on a completely unexposed contender in Blake, who showed plenty of ability on the Flat before landing his maiden hurdle at Down Royal when last seen. 

The favourite hasn't won this race since Ballyadam's success in 2020, and a couple at double-figure odds have been able to claim first place in recent renewals. 

Blake makes each-way appeal for Noel Meade following his success over timber in a maiden previously won by the aforementioned Ballyadam, as well as talented performers in the likes of Envoi Allen, Mighty Potter and, most recently, Romeo Coolio.

The son of Zoffany, who was purchased for 125,000gns last autumn, beat now 106-rated Ebt's Guard to land a Sandown handicap during his final Flat campaign, as well as finishing six-lengths ahead of now 99-rated Ashariba at the same venue, and was only beaten a length-and-three-quarters by Grey Cuban, now rated 107, at Doncaster, having previously finished ahead of that rival at Epsom. 

A classy Flat type, there should be plenty of further improvement to come from Blake, who has the talent to enjoy a fruitful novice hurdling campaign should he take another step forward from his maiden hurdle success.

Fairyhouse, 14:05 - Back Pied Piper E/W @ 25/126.00

Seven-year-old gelding Pied Piper is a classy performer on his day, who should be suited by this drop in trip and is unexposed at this level over fences. 

The likeable son of New Approach has Grade One experience over hurdles, often featuring in races won by State Man. He was denied a top level success of his own when demoted at Aintree a few years ago, having previously finished third to Vauban in the 2022 Triumph Hurdle. 

On the Flat, Pied Piper achieved a rating of 90 when trained by John and Thady Gosden, before changing hands for 225,000gns, making a successful start over obstacles when beating Vauban in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. 

Pied Piper has been able to carry hefty weights to a creditable finishing position in recent years, including when narrowly denied at the Cheltenham Festival, and cannot be discounted on his return to Grade One company. Despite having plenty of experience to his advantage, he remains open to further improvement at his current age and, in only his ninth chasing start, could be capable of springing a surprise. 

At odds of 25/126.00, Pied Piper makes each-way appeal under Danny Gilligan and can pose a threat if at his best.

Now read Sam Turner's latest tips here!