Hi all,
Wednesday’s big hit just about came off with two winners. I fancied a few yesterday and sometimes you must go with intuition in this game. I’m kicking myself for not putting up Belloccio instead of the very weak in the market Jack Darcy in the Kempton Listed race, but the service just about squeaked a fifth successive profitable month and that’s what matters.
It was a challenging month though and I’m hoping December will be a more comfortable ride. I don’t want to be going into New Year’s Eve needing to pull it out of the fire once again.
I have selections from Sandown and Exeter and today’s betting advice can be found at the end of the main piece.
Sandown
The Sandown handicaps lack a bit of depth but there are a couple of competitive looking handicaps at Exeter.
12:45 – Connections of Valsheda will be disappointed if the promising 7-year-old can’t win the Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase. However, he’s going to be odds on so wouldn’t be a bet for me.
1:45 – Gloire D’athon could be a bit of value against the likely favourite Milan Bridge in the 1:45. Milan Bridge walked over last time but he was a useful hurdler who should well over fences. Gloire D’athon made it 2-4 when successful at Worcester 36-days ago. Up 7lb for his latest win but the 6-year-old remains with scope from a handicapping perspective.
Exeter
2:35 – Ede’iffs Elton was going as well as the winner when falling two out at Hereford last time. He’s on a mark he can win off if his jumping holds up and has each way clams.
Shakem Up’arry hails from the inform Ben Pauling yard. His best form has come over shorter, but the 8-year-old should stay 2m 3f on this sort of ground.
Tile Tapper got off the mark at the third attempt over fences when winning at Chepstow (heavy) in February. Now 9lb higher but capable of better over fences.
Ree Okka is one of the least experienced of the field, but he shaped well when 2 ¼ length 2nd of 4 in novice handicap at Aintree on chase debut last month. He jumped a bit to right that day so going this way around should suit. There should be more to come from the 6-year-old.
Dual chase winner Galop De Chasse looked as good as ever when a 2 ¼ length 2nd of 6 to Gunsight Ridge at Aintree on his seasonal return last month. Yet to race beyond the minimum trip since joining Venetia Williams but has shaped like further will suit.
3:10 – I love Exeter marathon handicap chases as they are normally competitive races. You just hope the sun stays away. Plenty in with a chance as you would expect in this 3m 6 ½ f contest.
Alminar was back to winning ways at Ffos Las last month. If he stays, he won’t be far away from just 3lb higher. Previous course winner
Don Herbager posted a career best on RPR’s when winning at Bangor in February. He really appreciated the step up to 3m 5f that day and a stamina test really suits the 8-year-old.
Favori De Sivola won twice last Nov/Dec but hasn’t been at his best on four subsequent starts. Not sure he stays this far but he is back down to his last winning mark.
Light Flicker was back to his best when a neck 2nd of 7 at Wetherby last month. Stays this far and although he’s been nudged up 2lb he shouldn’t be far away especially if the ground isn’t too testing.
Top weight De Young Warrior won here (3m) on seasonal return last December and followed up at Chepstow in February. A thorough stayer, this sort of trip should the 9-year-old. Provided there’s enough ease in the ground he’s one to be interested in given he goes well fresh.
Some Detail awinner at Taunton in February, from 3lb lower. He’s another thorough stayer as she showed when a staying 9 length 3rd of 15 in the Highland National (3m 6 ½ f) at Perth in April. Not seen to best effect on two starts in August & Sept. Capable of better for a yard that had a couple of winners last week.
Betting Advice:
Sandown
1:45 – Gloire D’athon – 1pt win – 11/4 @ Bet365 & Coral
Exeter
2:35 – Ede’iffs Elton – 1pt each way – 12/1 @ Coral (paying 4 places)
3:10 – De Young Warrior – 1pt win – 9/2 @ Bet365 and Some Detail – 1pt win – 8/1 @ Bet365.
Cheers
John