Horse Racing Tips: Take a chance on Sysko bouncing back

Jumps racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland this Sunday with three meetings taking place across the afternoon. First off is Naas before they go at Sandown and Ffos Las.

Among my Sunday Horse Racing Tips is one for trainer Paul Nicholls, who will be looking to capitalise on a strong start to the season.

14:27 Naas - Sysko @ 4/1

Although he was disappointing when last of seven in a Listed race at Galway in July, Sysko put in a much better performance last time out when upped in trip.

The step up to two-and-a-half miles allowed him to showcase his abilities better, using his stamina to good effect, running prominently throughout the race and looking much more at home. While he was headed after jumping the last, he stayed on well, recording a good performance on his first attempt at the trip and one which he can build on.

Connections clearly think highly enough of him to give him another crack in Listed company. He will have come on for the run, and with conditions likely to suit, he has a good opportunity here.

14:40 Sandown - Nardaran @ 5/6

Nardaran was progressive last season, with a number of notable performances, including an emphatic win at Taunton in April. He made the perfect start to the new campaign with a spectacular win at Plumpton three weeks ago, suggesting there will be more to come from him in the process.

Having his first run after a wind operation in the summer, he looked to have taken a big step forward, running strongly throughout to take a well-deserved win, and while his jumping was not always perfect, that can be forgiven after six months off.

He steps up in class for today, which should not be too much of an issue, as the manner in which he dominated his race last time out suggests that he should rate higher. He looks to be on an upward curve and should go well again.

15:02 Naas - Inthepocket @ 13/8

In what has been a stop-start career, Inthepocket has shown glimpses of quality. Fourth place in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham was followed by a win in the Top Novices Hurdle at Aintree. Both were impressive performances, which had his trainer, Henry De Bromhead, waxing lyrical about his abilities, saying he was the total package and should progress well from there.

He was sent chasing for the 2023/24 season, but things have not been as smooth for him as connections would have liked, and opportunities have been limited. He saw the racetrack only once that season and had just two outings last winter.

However, what we have seen of him has been impressive, with the highlight being a third place in a Grade 2 chase at Naas when last seen in January. His jumping was suspect at times, which damaged his chances of winning, but he travelled strongly and suggested he is capable of better.

He goes well fresh, and while he may not have the experience of some of today’s rivals, he has a lot of potential and has every chance here.

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