After last weekend’s very pleasing four from five selections (no favourites when selected) on Saturday and the fifth lost to a 25/1 winner, plus (admittedly more favoured) Fox Norton, Slate House and Faugheen on Sunday, here we go again. Not expecting that I can simply repeat with night before selections, you can see from the earlier posts that I selected entries of interest over the last couple of days so that there is a measured (and not market dependent) process applied.
The ground is hugely important this weekend. I’m typing this (Friday at 7.15 p.m.) as I can hear heavy rain with a hint of hail on the Wirral, not that far from Haydock. As aficionados know, there are three main UK racecourses that have a tendency to produce knackering ground – Haydock, Chepstow and Doncaster (others include Sedgefield). I’ve resisted checking the penetrometer ratings because I don’t need to know what happened 24/48 hours ago. I suspect that once we get going tomorrow there may be numerous non-runners at Haydock, particularly because the chase course is scheduled to take a bit of a hammering. Good luck Kirkland Tellwright (clerk of the course) who’s had a bit of a chequered history.
Saturday
Gowran (heavy)
12:05 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle 2m
Kuraka*****. Selected when 1/2 and now 2/5.
12:35 Maiden Hurdle (5-y-o +) 2m
Carter McKay (13/8) was the entry selection but I think that MinellaforDollars* (5/4) might win.
13:10 Novice Hurdle (4-y-o) 2m
Sharjah*** (5/4) will win. Chosen with the entries and happy to stay there.
14:20 Intermediate Conditions Chase 2m 4f
This had proper runners but its now all about Min*****, now 1/8. Hey ho!
14:55 Beginners’ Chase 2m 4f
Battleford, C’est Jersey, Monbeg Notorious were the early choices and only the latter makes it to the decs. That’s no problem with me – can’t have Tin Soldier at 8/13! Go with Monbeg at 9/4 (now 6/4).
Haydock (heavy, soft in places on the hurdles course)
12:10 Listed Novices’ Hurdle 2m
Ainchea, Claimantakinforgan, Dynamite Dollars, Whatmore were the notable entries. From them, just Dynamite Dollars**** makes it to the race. Another short odds selection (15/8) but justifiably so.
12:40 Handicap Chase 3m 4 1/2f
Russe Blanc (7/2), Emperor’s Choice (5/1). Both selected on Wednesday. Both are heavy ground specialists and will relish the (attritional) marathon trip.
13:15 Graduation Chase 2m 5 1/2f
I fancy Clan des Obeaux** (4/1) to prevail against a decent field.
13:50 Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f
I’m with Value at Risk* for a small interest at 15/2
14:25 Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 7f
The Worlds End and shortening Champers On Ice properly head the market. One to watch
15:00 Betfair Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1 1/2f
Former Peter Marsh winner Bristol de Mai*** will never have better conditions and should add this Grade 1 at 7/4.
Ascot (good to soft)
14:05 Christy 1965 Chase (Grade 2) 2m 5f
Smad Place, Frodon and Top Notch have all stood their ground. Would love to see Smad Place win but my interest will be Frodon* at 14/1 e/w.
14:40 Coral Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 3f
A great race for a small field and I fancy Defi du Seuil to give way to Lil Rockerfeller** (3/1).
15:15 Handicap Chase 2m 1f
A shame that Speredek is not running but my bet of the day is the excellent San Benedeto**** at an appealing 100/30.
Sunday selections to follow. Good luck!
Sunday
Navan (heavy)
13:05 Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 4f
Samcro
14:05 Beginners’ Chase 2m 1f
Montalbano
14:35 Troytown Chase (Grade B) 3m
Acapella Bourgeois, Childrens List
15:05 Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) 2m 6 1/2f
Mon Lino, Folsom Blue