Hi all,
Part two of this week’s notebook. We have four recent eyecatchers running across four courses and I have added a few more selections for Kempton & Newcastle in addition to those I sent you yesterday. That’s where I will begin.
Saturday 23rd February
Kempton
1:15 – I am going to take a chance with Champagne Champ in this. We haven’t seen him over jumps since finishing second over C&D last March. The 7-year-old makes his handicap hurdle debut after three starts over hurdles, including a win at Chepstow. Had a nice prep on the all weather here last month with a close-up 3rd placed effort.
Champagne Champ – 16/1 @ Ladbrokes & Coral – each way – (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
2:25 – I don’t think yesterday’s impressive Warwick winner Song For Someone will run in the Adonis. I gave Giving Glances a positive mention and I am happy to go with the filly as she will really appreciate the good ground.
Giving Glances – 13/2 @ William Hill & Ladbrokes
3:35 – I have already tipped up Glen Rocco, who remains my main hope for the 888sport Handicap Chase. The Tom George horses continue to go well so, although Double Shuffle is vulnerable to any improver in the field, he looks likely to go well in this race again. His 5th placed effort in the King George VI, was the first time he’s been out of the first two here at Kempton.
Didero Vallis, trained by Venetia Williams, like Glen Rocco, remains unexposed over fences this will only be the 6-year-old fourth start over the larger obstacles. He once again showed a good attitude at the finish when winning at Haydock 55-days ago. He comes into the race looking for the hat trick here off 6lb higher. Granted his stamina for 3m must be proved but he does look overpriced and remains open to further progress over fences.
Double Shuffle – 10/1 @ William Hill – Each way
Didero Vallis – 12/1 @ Paddy Power – each way (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
Newcastle
2:40 – Sadly Sharp Response didn’t stand his ground in the Eider Chase at the overnight stage but Progress Drive still runs. That means the Paul Nicholls trained Vicente is now the favourite. We still have eyecatcher Kimberlite County still in the field. Crosspark finished third in the valuable Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick on his last start. His trainer Caroline Bailey has her horses in good form and a good run can be expected from her 9-year-old if he reproduces his Warwick effort and of course sees out today’s 4m trip.
Crosspark – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes – each way (both paying 4 places ¼ odds)
Chepstow
3:40 – I’m happy to take a chance on the Tom George trained Sandymount in this 2m 7 ½ f handicap hurdle. The 8-year-old is a well handicapped horse based on his form of two years ago. He returned from 557-day break with a decent effort at Wincanton 37-days ago. Should be fitter with that run under his belt and has an each-way chance especially with William Hill a standout 20/1.
Sandymount – 20/1 @ William Hill – each way (paying 3 places ¼ odds)
Good luck with your bets.
Cheers
John