NAP of the Day: Brucio primed to make her mark

A busy Monday of racing action is in store with three UK meetings joined by a pair of St Patrick's Day cards from Ireland. Jumps racing comes from Wexford, Down Royal, Fontwell and Southwell across the afternoon, before an evening offering on the all-weather at Wolverhampton rounds things off.

Our Monday NAP comes from Down Royal where local trainer Stuart Crawford will be aiming for success with Brucio in the Bluegrass Horse Feed Rated Novice Chase.

Today's Horse Races

16:12 Down Royal – Brucio @ 3/1

The traditional St Patrick's Day card at Down Royal is competitive, with Gordon Elliott sending a good team to this venue on the outskirts of Belfast, where he traditionally does so well.

The Cullentra handler has Lightkeeper in the Bluegrass Horse Feed Rated Novice Chase, but the seven-year-old hasn't looked a natural in four starts over fences and was well beaten last month at Clonmel in a claiming hurdle.

A field of six are set to contest this race over just shy of two-and-a-half miles, with Clifftop forecast to spearhead the betting for trainer Harry Rogers.

The son of Canford Cliffs scored at Tramore (2m6f, good) back in August on his fifth start over fences, while his earlier second behind Jazzy Matty - winner of the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival last week - reads well in the context of this race.

He unseated Kieren Buckley when last spotted jumping at Kilbeggan in September and this modest Flat performer has been off since his down the field effort at Navan the following month. He has a mixed record coming back from a lay-off, but is respected here.

Preference though is for the mare BRUCIO for the Stuart Crawford team. The daughter of Authorized was a Dublin Racing Festival winner in Listed handicap company over hurdles last season and made her chasing bow at Ayr last month.

That was in a three-runner handicap and JJ Slevin's partner was never out of last spot, seemingly finding the pace a bit hot.

She jumped well, considering, and should improve on that now. Her stamina was key in her Leopardstown wins last spring and this increased distance could be right up her street.

These terms look favourable for her if she does indeed show improved form on second start over fences and she's one of a few solid chances for Slevin and Crawford on this card in the double green silks of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

Forecast at around 3/1 in the market behind Clifftop, this Authorized mare could be underestimated in what looks a winnable race at Down Royal.

Nap Of The Day from Betfred Insights.