Hi all,
A three-day feast of racing with the best races being covered by ITV. What could be better? Well, a few winners but mostly importantly a weekend profit. I have a handful of selections from Sandown & Exeter.
Sandown
3:00 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Class 2) – 2m 7 ½ f
Farrants Way returned from 12 months off the track to win a maiden hurdle at Hereford in March. That was a much-improved effort from the lightly raced 6-year-old. A big chasing type owned by Trevor Hemmings. Interesting to see Venetia Williams has pitched him into a Pertemps Series Qualifier, on just his 5th career start and seasonal return. Looks a strong stayer, goes well fresh and will like the ground.
Trainer Chris Gordon won this race 12 months ago and he saddles a similar sort here in Straight Swap. The 5-year-old makes his handicap debut after three starts in maiden/novice company. A steady improver on all three of his three starts this autumn. Taking a big step-in distance today but can improve further for it and will like the testing ground.
1pt win – Farrants Way – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
1pt win – Straight Swap – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power
Exeter
2:40 – tote.co.uk Home Of The Placepot Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m 3f
Venetia Williams has her horses in great form and she could have another win here with Quick Wave. The mare was a steady improver at the end of last season winning at Leicester on heavy before putting in a career best effort when 2nd of 6 here (3m). Now 7lb higher but remains competitive mark and can go close if ready to roll first time.
Three of Molineaux’s four career wins have come at Wincanton but he’s got place form around here. The latest of his wins came in February off 3lb lower. The 9-year-old returned from a 248-day break to be a good 3rd of 7 to Amoola Gold 34-days ago. Has tended to come on first for the season which is encouraging and the trainer’s runners are in better form now.
1pt win – Quick Wave – 5/1 @ Bet365
1pt win – Molineaux – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:15 – Close Brothers Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m 6 ½ f
This marathon trip will take some getting if the ground is very testing. Twice a C&D winner Dawson’s City. Plenty of encouragement to be taken from his 3rd of 7 over an inadequate 3m at Uttoxeter last time. The 11-year-old is handicapped to win again, being 11lb below his last winning mark which came over C&D and looks set for a bold show.
Bermeo a winner of a 3m 1f handicap chase at Cheltenham two starts back before putting up a career best effort on RPR’s when runner-up back at the same venue 20-days ago. Up 4lb for his last effort but he’s in good form, has won on soft ground and looks set to appreciate today’s step up in trip. Capable of going close, if replicating his recent form going right-handed.
Last year’s runner-up Petite Power can’t be dismissed nor can the front running Dancing Shadow in what looks a competitive staying handicap chase.
1pt win – Dawson’s City – 15/2 @ Bet365
1pt win – Bermeo – 8/1 @ Bet365
Cheers
John