Musselburgh, 15.42 - Back Jer Batt each-way @ 6/17.00

History has revealed that Jer Batt faced a near impossible task trying to win last year's renewal of this feature sprint.

Not only did the six-year-old bump into subsequent Group 1 winner American Affair, hero of the King's Stand at Royal Ascot, but the presence of Jm Jungle, himself a Group 2 winner at Goodwood later in the summer, stamped the 2025 contest as a marquee renewal.

Connections of Jer Batt were probably a little disappointed that their gelding couldn't get the job done 12 months ago, especially as he hit the front travelling nicely a furlong out.

Unfortunately, the length defeat set the tone for the remainder of the season as the son of Dragon Pulse failed to confirm the promise of his Musselburgh performance by ending the campaign winless, despite some valiant attempts.

The one positive from a blank season is some respite from the handicapper who has eased the selection 7lbs to a mark of 85, while a wind operation may help Jer Batt to finish his race off a little better.

There is some talent in today's field, however there doesn't appear any rival of the quality of American Affair or Jm Jungle so Jer Batt is fancied to go two better under Saffie Osborne.

Fairyhouse, 17.00 - Back Hello Neighbour each-way @ 11/112.00

Even taking into account my modest maths, I counted 55 races for punters to savour in Britain and Ireland today, so backers certainly aren't short of options this Easter weekend.

The Irish National meeting at Fairyhouse always attracts sizeable fields and that is certainly the case for the penultimate race on the card, the Listed Handicap Hurdle.

Unsurprisingly at the time of writing, Willie Mullins dominates the early exchanges with Karbau, Davy Crockett and Murcia at the head of the market.

The former, Paul Townend's only handicap ride at the Cheltenham festival, was a creditable sixth in the County Hurdle, staying on steadily from the last hurdle despite encountering some traffic problems.

A length behind in seventh was the talented, if not a little mecurial, Hello Neighbour who tried to challenge on the inside of the track, but could never quite land a blow under Keith Donoghue.

The son of Harzand, sixth in last season's Triumph Hurdle, has found life a little tough this season from an exalted mark, but he could be worth keeping on side now conditions drying and his best run over hurdles came on spring ground on a right-handed track at Punchestown 12 months ago.

At three times the price of Karbau, Hello Neighbour looks a touch of value to lift this valuable prize under the proviso that Fairyhouse only sees the light showers which are forecast. 

I did toy with also putting up Imperial Cup fourth Messerschmitt given his fine run at Sandown, but his stable are a little quiet at present so rightly or wrongly caution was exercised.

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