JONATHAN HOBBS: TOWCESTER takes a step closer to the English Derby with another batch of trial stakes tonight – plus the final of the KAB Maiden Derby Final and a host of supporting opens.

It’s a top-class card live on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV and features a host of Irish entries – as a third straight win for the visitors in the Classic is sought after back-to-back wins at Nottingham!

Runners from Paul Hennessy and Graham Holland both make the journey across to the Northamptonshire track for reconnaissance missions ahead of the main event starting next month.

So eyes down for a cracking night’s racing.

Towcester Tuesday

6.09: Kilara Lion makes his return to the track and, as the Blue Riband champion over C&D earlier this year, gets the vote – albeit narrowly. That’s because Patrick Janssens’ runner takes on leading Irish contender Native Maestro. The draw looks spot-on for him.

Play: Kilara Lion

6.28: Jaytee Wexford could strike for Ireland given this return to the rails. Paul Hennessy’s dog caught the eye in the Maiden Derby semis last week and this looks a better make-up for him against the rail. Well-drawn King Louis might need catching out wide, however.

Play: Jaytee Wexford

6.43: Another classy Irish entry goes for gold in Easter Cup finalist Boylesportsbingo who’s known for his strong-running style. However, so too is Deanridge Sirius who showed plenty of ability in last year’s Derby and could run fresh and fast here for Allison Kelly-Pilgrim.

Play: Deanridge Sirius

6.58: Queen Beyonce is a class act and back from a long spell off. She should go well for Liz McNair on the back of some fast sprint trials and might well get the jump on Not Too Late who showed up well in the heats of the Maiden Derby. Liberty Belle is well pitched.

Play: Queen Beyonce

7.18: Newinn Session has been one for the money in recent weeks and has been backed with English Derby glory in mind. Towcester should play to his strengths, although give Richard Rees’s improving Hilight Arkle a chance to go one better if leading up.

Play: Hilight Arkle

7.36: A good night for Liz McNair could continue courtesy of Queen Dolly. She won well last week and, if breaking, is always a top notch performer – especially after a 29.48. However any crowding or mistakes could let in strong-running Drumcrow Brent outside.

Play: Queen Dolly

7.56: Ballyboss Baz returned in great heart at Monmore last week and should improve after just three starts. Barrie Draper’s dog paces up well and looks well pitched should Jimmy The Snail heads inwards early. Magical Ezra has scope and picks up late.

Play: Ballyboss Baz

8.17: Surprising needs to be step carefully and sharply but should come through this test with a clear. It’s a wider draw than ideal and plenty will be willing to take him on, but Seamus Cahill’s dog has a clear edge on the clock. Goldies Mabbutt is an improving local.

Play: Surprising

8.38: Sprint action now and Shrewd Call ran with credit in the Northamptonshire Sprint here and will be supported after a recent Central Park win. However there was a lot to like about Blastoff Mason’s own recent win at Hove and the draw suits for the Cahill runner.

Play: Blastoff Mason

8.54: Final time now and Thorn Falcon is a worthy favourite outside after smart efforts in both heat and semi-final. The draw looks ace and he should win. However, a smash break from Brynhall Respect might out the favourite under pressure – and might Gary Griffiths’ runner be the value in the race? Amazing Wink stays well from a plum pitch inside.

Play: Brynhall Respect

9.12: A maiden stayers now and Troy Susieeq gets the vote. David Mullins’ runner looked a touch unlucky at Romford and then wasn’t disgraced at Perry Barr and, in a trappy race, might be the answer. Glenvale Tony brings some good form from Henlow to the table.

Play: Troy Susieeq

9.28: The lucky last is a maiden 500m and gives Warzone Tom a chance to get on the scoresheet. Liz McNair’s runner ran better than his two Maiden Derby starts suggest – especially in the heats – and will continue to come forward. Droopys Thief is the danger.

Play: Warzone Tom

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