Hi all,
An interesting Class 3 handicap chase where most of the field have questions to answer.
Wincanton
4:45 – Trainer Henry Daly has his horses in good form 3-8 38% +3.75 in the past 14-days and his record at Wincanton is a very healthy 3-7 43% +6.35 in the past 5-years. His saddles Spider’s Bite in this handicap chase. The 8-year-old had looked a promising novice chase early last season, finishing runner-up to King of Realms on his chase debut at Ascot and was in the process of running a big race when unseating his rider on his next start at Ludlow. Two starts this season have been poor and he was beaten horse when pulling up four out at Doncaster 67-days ago. Returns from a wind op today and if the procedure has worked has a good handicap mark to exploit. Clearly comes with risks attached but at the prices he appeals.
Quite By Chance can never be ruled out around here, three of his five career wins have come at the track. The 11-year-old made a satisfactory return from a 314-day absence when 4th of 10 at Taunton 32-days ago. Should be sharper today, goes well right handed and is undoubtedly well handicapped on his back form but you have to go back to October 2016 for his last win.
A bigger danger to Spider’s Bite could be the Tom George trained Air Navigator. The 9-year-old seemed to improve for the fitting of cheekpieces when third to Worthy Farm over C&D on Boxing Day. Struggled and was pulled up three out in desperate ground at Chepstow last time. The 9-year-old looks the type to bounce back for a yard very much among the winners in the past two weeks.
1pt win – Spider’s Bite – 5/1 @ Bet365
1pt win – Air Navigator – 13/2 @ Bet365
Cheers
John