I have a rare Friday off and I’m looking forward to some really good jumps racing.
No time for a detailed analysis so here are my selections.
Down Royal
1.05 2m 6f Maiden Hurdle
This should be between horses with familiar variations on names. Express du Berlais was an easy Points winner and Sizing Coal was another Point winner, bought as a 3-y-o for €340,000. I’ll hope that the money was well spent.
1.35 2m 6f Handicap Hurdle
A hard race so I will focus on the top of the handicap. I find it hard to believe that I’m going for a Wolverhampton run but I’m with Street Runner, perhaps more significantly a prior Downpatrick winner, so proven on an undulating and weird course!
2.05 2m Grade 3 Hurdle
This is my first confident choice. Que Pasa has form at this level and should be an easy winner against her own sex.
2.35 2m Grade 2 Hurdle
I was a fan of Jezki all last season and there is no reason why he will not win this. Caid du Berlais will come second. A confident Exacta/forecast.
3.10 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase
Gold Bullet will win this at what I hope is a good price. I haven’t checked the prices in this forecast to keep it real! Ruby Walsh on board is significant.
3.45 Handicap Chase
Good luck! Follow the market!
Uttoxeter (selected)
12.50 2m 4f Hurdle
I’ll just watch this one! Loads of reasons not to like all the main players!
1.20 2m Maiden Hurdle
I’d love the delightfully named “Buxom” (33/1 – about my chances) to win but I’m very interested in David Pipe’s Centasia (another one the owners will be pissed off with if he doesn’t win given what he cost).
1.50 2m Handicap Hurdle
I agree with Timeform: Wintered Well
2.20 2m Beginners’ Chase
This is one of my highlights of the day. I’m taking the view that Raya Star will be the best chaser but who knows?
2.55 3m Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
Vinnieslittle Lamb Terrible name. Nothing more to say.
3.30 2m 4f Handicap Chase
Marie des Anges will win.
Wetherby
The card is excellent and I could have gone into depth for the runners but I’m just going to choose some winners (that’s the prerogative of someone who doesn’t get paid for their views!). They are no less lacking in conviction!
12.40 2m 4f Novices’ Hurdle
If Oscar Rock doesn’t win this then, at 12.45, this will be a bad day!
1.10 2m 4f Novices’ Hurdle
I’m going to be bold and select Vivaldi Collonges, anther with an associative name but not in Nicholls’ yard to make up the numbers.I’m going to have a bit of a go on this one. If it doesn’t work, don’t blame me!!
1.40 2m Handicap Hurdle
If you have to go with Tidal Way but I’d swerve this one.
2.10 2m 4f Handicap Chase
Mon Parrain on the basis that he’s a very good horse and had a bit of a tough run last year.
2.45 Listed 2m 110 y Hurdle
Getting bored now if I tell the truth but it’s a great race. I think that now is the day to lump on Royal Irish Hussar .
3.20 3m 1f Handicap Chase
No view but if you have to choose one then it should be Palos Conti.