Hat-trick-seeking mare steps up in class and Graded winner returns to hurdles - punting pointers for Sunday's action

Punting pointers from some of today's race meetings . . .

Fontwell: Tyne takes aim at Southern National

The hat-trick-seeking River Tyne takes a big step up in class when contesting the feature BetGoodwin-sponsored Southern National (2.05) off bottom weight.

Nick Gifford's mare was successful at this track in May and followed up on her return at Plumpton last month.

James Davies's mount is one of four course winners in the nine-runner line-up and receives lots of weight from her rivals.

Gifford said: "She deserves a crack at a race like this. It's a big jump up in class, she's won two class 5 races, but the ground will be lovely and she looks like she'll stay.

"She's got a nice low weight and this is her Gold Cup, really. It's a little bit of a leap of faith but we thought we'd have a crack at a decent pot. We're very hopeful she'll be there or thereabouts."

River Tyne14:05 Fontwell

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Jky: James Davies Tnr: Nick Gifford

Fontwell stat: handicappers to note

James Owen has a 67 per cent strike-rate (4-6) with his runners in handicap hurdles at Fontwell. Hecouldbetheone fits the bill in the 2m1½f event (1.30).

Hecouldbetheone13:30 Fontwell

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Jky: Ben Bromley (5lb)Tnr: James Owen

Navan: Graded winner back over hurdles

Smart chaser Sa Fureur is the main attraction in a €45,000 race (1.55) on Sunday as Gordon Elliott looks to exploit his workable mark over hurdles.

The 143-rated chaser is some 13lb lower over hurdles and reverts to the discipline for the first time since pulling up in the Coral Cup in March 2023.

Before that, however, the seven-year-old was a Grade 3 winner at Thurles on good ground and tops the market on his hurdling return ahead of last-time-out-winner Newtown Rambler, a half-brother to Corach Rambler, and Londonofficecallin, one of three runners in the race for Gavin Cromwell.

Elliott, who also saddles Fortunedefortunata, said: "Sa Fureur was fourth in the Grand Annual on his last run, but ideally he wants more than two miles. He's in good form and is on a nice mark over hurdles.

"Fortunedefortunata won at the track last year over two miles in good style and has run well a few times here. He'll probably head back over fences soon but this looks a good starting point."

Navan stat: course specialist

St Denis's Well has a perfect 100 per cent record from two starts at this track. The Ian Donoghue-trained six-year-old seeks a third course win in the 2m handicap hurdle (12.45).