Hi all,
Yesterday’s selection Billingsley was weak in the market before the race but was still in the lead when unseating Sam Twiston-Davies five out. It was too early to say whether he would have taken a hand in the finish, in what was an eventful race, but I don’t think he would have been far away if he had completed. Worryingly that his second successive non completion and his jumping is becoming a bit of a concern. For all that he remains on what looks a competitive mark.
In today’s post I have an ante post selections for Saturday. Plus, one from Naas this afternoon.
One for the weekend
The bookies have priced up eight of Saturday’s races. I have had a look at a few of Saturday’s races and hopefully I have another Master Tommytucker for you. There maybe more weekend ante post selections tomorrow so watch your inboxes.
Warwick
2:25 – Ballymore Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – 2m 5f
David Pipe trained Adagio won the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday and he looks to have another interesting hurdler in Make Me A Believer. The 6-year-old won a bumper at Chepstow last season and returned to action with a good second to the improving Bear Ghylls at Lingfield back in October. The son of Presenting looked a useful prospect when winning a novice hurdle at Cheltenham’s December meeting. Given he’s pedigree suggests he needs further it was encouraging that he showed enough pace to win over 2m 1f last time. The 2m 5f distance of this Grade 2 contest looks ideal for him and he also looks a decent bet at around 5/1.
2pts win – Make Me A Believer – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Wednesday racing
Naas
2:20 – Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 4f
Recent impressive Navan maiden hurdle winner Bob Olinger. He looks capable of more improvement and looks worth the step up into Graded company.
Ashdale Bob comes into the race with the stronger form on his win in a Grade 2 at Navan. He might prove better over further but looks a solid contender and won’t be far away again.
Blue Lord showed a good attitude to win a Punchestown maiden over an extended 2m 50-days ago. That looked a bare minimum for the 6-year-old and plenty of improvement can be expected for the step up in trip. He’s been quietly backed, at big odds, for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Willie Mullins has won this race five times since 2010. The selection has plenty to find on RPR’s with the first two but can win this.
1pt win – Blue Lord – 7/2 @ Sky Bet & Unibet
Cheers
John