Hi all,
Sandown Saturday card as anticipated was lost to the weather. Hopefully the Veterans Series Final which was Saturday’s feature race can be rescheduled by the BHA.
Things are looking more promising for Saturday’s Wincanton card. It will be heavy at the Somerset track, and they still must pass an 8am inspection but it looks like racing will go ahead.
The loss of the Sandown card means ITV have had to make changes to their planned coverage. They will now take four races live from Newcastle in addition to four from Wincanton. The Newcastle card is moderate, but at least ITV viewers get to see some racing this afternoon.
Most of my bets were going to be at Sandown which has thrown a spanner into the works. I had a couple of fancies on the Wincanton but one of them wasn’t declared.
Anway here’s my preview of six of the ITV races.
Wincanton
1:30 – Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 1m 7 ½ f
This five-runner contest was a late addition to the ITV programme. Top weight Magic Saint did ok in hunter chases last season and is on a good mark but I’m not sure he wants heavy ground. Fast Buck hasn’t been in much form on three starts this season but he’s another who dropped down to a good mark and his yard is among the winners. Prince Quali was a four-time winner when trained in France including one over fences. Likely in need of the run on first start for 20 months when 5th of 8 here over hurdles last month. He’s dropped 5lb since and looks interesting over the larger obstacles.
2:05 – Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) – 1m 7f
Feach Amach got off the mark at the third attempt over fences when landing a Sedgefield juvenile hurdle 51 days ago. It was heavy ground at Sedgefield so underfoot conditions shouldn’t worry the 4-year-old. One Last Glance a nine race maiden, returned from a 20-month absence to finish a fair 1 length 2nd of 9 at Lingfield 46-days ago. Very much in the mix if handling the likely heavy ground. The same sentiments apply Angel’s Dream whose win over hurdles last season came on good ground. He’s weighted to be competitive if handling testing ground.
2:40 – Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m 4f
I tipped up Georges Saint earlier in the week for a race at Sandown on Saturday. He’s won his last two starts over fences. He clearly goes well on heavy ground as both those wins came on that surface. He’s 7lb higher in a better race so needs to improve again but there’s a good chance he can be granted a decent stamina test. The one to beat albeit his odds reflect that. Iconic Muddle won on heavy ground over hurdles but the 11-year-old’s best form over fences has come on good ground. He’s run well fresh in the past, without winning, so a 257-day absence needn’t be a problem. Down to a handy mark and could be the value alternative for those looking to take on the favourite.
3:15 – Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 2m 5 ½ f
I fancied Don’t Rightly Know earlier in the week when I saw Nick Schofield had been booked. He’s not in the saddle now and instead it’s the amateur jockey who has ridden the mare on four of her five career starts. Despite the inexperienced jockey, the 9-year-old, victorious in an Exeter novice hurdle two starts back and a close runner-up over C&D (heavy) 25 days ago, remains intriguing on handicap debut. Another contender is Rare Clouds who’s placed on her last three starts including a commendable 3rd of 9 on soft ground at Chepstow last time. On a potentially winning mark, the mare is firmly in the mix. Trained by Venetia Williams, Intimate, was a ¾ length 3rd of 10 at Uttoxeter (2m 4f) on heavy ground 15 days ago. The 6-year-old has strong claims on handicap debut, especially with today’s longer trip set to suit.
Newcastle
The first two races on ITV feature novice hurdles, which hold little appeal for me especially, given there are two very short priced favourites.
As for the remaining two races the short-priced favourites make some appeal.
2:50 – Empty Nest has displayed promise in both outings over fences, particularly noteworthy was his finishing effort, securing a neck 3rd of 11 at Catterick just 18 days ago. Merely 1lb higher today, he holds a substantial chance if adapting to more testing ground. Torosay exhibited prowess in hurdles last season but was pulled-up on his chase debut at Hexham (heavy) 24 days ago. Despite a commendable hurdles record, his recent performance was disconcerting.
3:25 – Like the preceding race, the favourite has strong claims. Yealand looks to have been bought along with handicaps in mind. Back up in trip he looks on a workable mark for his handicap debut. Glory Hights struggled with jumping during his seasonal return at Kelso 56 days ago. He needs to improve in the jumping department on handicap debut. If he does, has claims off a light weight.
Betting Advice:
Please note there is no BOG until Saturday morning. Also, today’s selections could also be much higher backing to Betfair SP.
Wincanton
2:40 – Iconic Muddle – 1pt win – 13/2 @ Bet365 & Coral
3:15 – Don’t Rightly Know – 1pt win – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and Rare Clouds – 1pt win – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Newcastle
3:25 – Glory Hights – 1pt win – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.
There might be some selections on Sunday so watch your inboxes.
Cheers
John