Hi all,
Given Haydock’s Saturday meeting seems likely to be called off this morning. I’m holding fire with my weekend selections for now.
I do like these regional National’s and it’s the Somerset National (3:50) at Wincanton today. The going is heavy but no morning inspection is planned so they should race. I have some selections from the Somerset track and Lingfield.
Wincanton
2:50 – Lamanver Bel Ami made a winning return to action over hurdles at Chepstow in November and improved further for going chasing when following up at Ffos Las 22-days later. He’s up 7lb for that success and needs to improve further but that’s not of the question given he’s only a 7-year-old. Not sure why he’s been off 64-days but he goes well fresh and will relish the heavy ground.
1pt win – Lamanver Bel Ami – 6/1 @ Bet365
3:50 – Dawson City can never be ruled out in these marathon contests. The veteran was disappointing in the Susses National last time. However, prior to that was only beaten a head at Exeter two starts back. The 3m 2 ½ trip is a bare minimum for the 12-year-old but Millie Wonnacott takes off a handy 7lb.
The Kings Writ put in a career best when runner-up here last January. He found things happening to quick over 3m at Kempton last time and will be suited by the return to today’s distance. If Harry Cobden can get the 10-year-old in a good jumping rhythm out in front he can get into the money.
Last time out winners Cyclop & Nearly Perfect head the market and both are going the right way. The latterly in particular is a staying handicap chaser to keep onside. He’s 2-2 here and all his wins have come on soft ground. He looks worth a saver alongside my main race selection The Kings Writ.
1pt each way – The Kings Writ – 11/1 @ Bet365 (paying 3 places 1/5 odds)
1pt win – Nearly Perfect – 4/1 @ Bet365
Lingfield
2:00 – Keyser Soze was a disappointing last of eight at Newcastle on his return from a lay off 40-days ago. The 7-year-old needs to bounce back from that performance but he gets the first time cheekpieces and is 2-3 over C&D. Handy draw in stall one and Hollie Doyle is an eyecatching jockey booking. I just prefer him to last time out Kempton winner Ghaith.
1pt win – Keyser Soze – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes
Cheers
John