Sunday selections: Hurdler can leave rivals in a Tizz

Colin Tizzard’s charge mixed it with the big boys without cutting much ice as a novice hurdler last season, but has already surpassed those efforts since having his attentions turned to larger obstacles.

He might have managed just one win from his first four starts over fences, but he has finished second to three seriously smart operators in Mia’s Storm, Ballyoptic and Black Corton.

It could be a profitable afternoon for the Tizzard team, with Gentleman Jon a major player in the Champions League Betting At 188Bet Veterans’ Handicap Chase.

The son of Beat All ran his best race for some time when finishing third on his latest appearance at Newbury in December.

Grand Morning is an obvious contender for the totequadpot Novices’ Hurdle at Ayr.

The son of Midnight Legend built on his debut third at Hexham with a determined victory in testing ground over this course and distance a month ago.

The Delray Munky is another course winner returning to the track in the totepoolliveinfo.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old’s first four efforts of the season were fairly uninspiring, but she appeared completely rejuvenated following the application of cheek pieces here less than a fortnight ago.

Another Barney was seriously impressive on his rules debut at Naas last month and has earned his step up to Listed class in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Childrens List is of definite interest on his second run of the season for Willie Mullins in the BoyleSports Grand National Trial.

Selections:

Punchestown: 1.40 Cantlow, 2.10 High Sparrow, 2.40 Another Barney, 3.15 Swingbridge 3.45 Gilgamboa, 4.20 Childrens List, 4.50 Castle North.

Ayr: 1.50 Just Don’t Ask, 2.20 Divine Spear, 2.55 Grand Morning, 3.25 Progress Drive, 4.00 The Delray Munky, 4.30 Smuggler’s Stash, 5.00 Rivabodiva.

Exeter: 2.00 Samburu Shujaa, 2.30 Djingle, 3.05 Present Times, 3.35 Gentleman Jon, 4.10 ELEGANT ESCAPE (NAP), 4.40 Le Rocher, 5.10 Time To Move On.