Tommy Could Gun Them Down In Martin Pipe

Having trawled through the handicaps today, one horse that sticks out like a sore thumb as being overpriced is the Paul Nicholls' trained Tommy Silver in the Martin Pipe Conditional's race. Nicholls has won this twice in the last four years and he sent out Ibis De Rheu to win it last year.

Tommy Silver could be chucked in.

Tommy Silver, a 5yo son of Silver Cross, caught the eye in the Triumph Last year, lacking the pace to get involved at the finish, but staying on nicely up the hill for 7th. He again shaped as if in need of further when a close 3rd behind Wolf Of Windlesham off 138 at Sandown, and after that run he headed on his summer holidays.

He returned to action with a couple of very poor efforts at Ffos Las and Newbury, both over 2 miles, and he was rested for the months of December, January and almost all of February. He looked a different animal back from his mini break at Taunton last time, easily seeing off useful yardstick Bertimont under a cool ride from Stan Sheppard off 134.

He won going away at the finish, and the way he travelled in the closing stages was mightily impressive. The winning distance of a length could have been a lot more, and I am amazed that the handicapper has only seen fit to raise him 6lbs for that cosy victory. Stan Sheppard will likely keep the ride, and he is a pilot with lots of potential.

The form of that Triumph Hurdle has worked out really well. The likes of Apple's Jade and Footpad are rated in the 150s, Let's Dance is now rated 147 and Clan Des Obeaux has won a Grade 2 and is rated 150 over fences. Now that Tommy Silver is back on form, and most importantly up in trip, I think there could be a lot more to come and at odds of 25/1 he has to be backed each way.

STEVOS' SELECTION: MARTIN PIPE HURDLE-TOMMY SILVER E/W @ 25/1