Further to Wednesday’s post I’m pleased to see that most of my selections have stood their ground. So here are my selections now that we have the declarations.
2.00 Class 2 2m 1f Handicap Hurdle
I’m pleased to see that the market shares my view that Garde La Victoire and Katgary are the main protagonists but less pleased about the prices! Nonetheless the 4/1 about Katgary is well worth having.
2.30 Class 3 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle
I absolutely cannot have Spirit of Shankly, the current 11/4 favourite. I’m going to chance it with Roberto Pegasus (7/2), more or less on the basis of having eliminated all of the others but without great confidence. I’m never a fan of Worcester form when moving to a “proper racecourse”.
3.00 Class 1 2m 4f Chase
It’s probably not so surprising that Dynaste hasn’t made it here. However, as you know from my last post he wasn’t my choice in any event. Uxizandre is the deserving 4/1 favourite and I think that the price might look generous if, as I expect, this one turns out to be one of the middle ranking stars of the season.
3.40 Class 3 3m 1f Handicap Chase (Veterans)
Without Prince Tom this looks like perfect placement for Burton Port to get off to a winning start. I’m wary because McMurrough, Lie Forrit and Pigeon Island are all rated higher on Timeform but this is a race to go with what I’ve seen myself and Burton Port is the class act and understandably 13/8 (3/1 bar). It’s notable that Pigeon Island has a 10lb claimer on board. Good or bad? I think the latter.
4.15 Class 3 3m 110y Handicap Hurdle (Conditionals)
As I said on Wednesday I can’t pretend to have any real knowledge about these horses so this is a pin-sticker. The market says that Kilfinchen Bay deserves the favourite’s slot at 3/1. I’m more interested in Tarvini (better breeding and better overall form) and possibly Possol but he’s been tried at this level and failed several times. It’s therefore probably the unnamed favourite for me in the Placepot.
4.50 Class 3 2m 4f Novices’ Chase
Now this is a really interesting race and I’m strongly against the market with forecast 11/1 Volcanic. Am I missing something because this was a decent horse with Guy Cherel and has made the classic transition from France to a decent British yard? Everything is right in my book and this is my bet of the day. The only concern is that he gets round and, in my view, if he does he wins. I can’t imagine that Donald McCain has bought him for Elite Racing Club because he’s a donkey! Very strong view about this one. I’m really looking forward to going to the parade ring and checking this one out.
5.25 Class 4 2m 110y Maiden Hurdle
If I’m right about this then the last two races could prove to be a very satisfying end to the day. As with the previous race I’m firmly with a longer shot in the shape of Jacks Last Hope (10/1), unrated by Timeform (although to be fair most of them are) and has to beat the obvious choice, Days of Heaven and the other interesting candidate Apollo Eleven. I’m really positive about Jacks Last Hope.
So here’s the Placepot:
1. 4
2. 7
3. 3
4. 2
5. unnamed favourite
6. 8
Good luck!