I will go through Friday’s racing in alphabetical order of course so we will start with the evening meeting at Chepstow.
It has been an in and out jumps season for my list to follow but one that has definitely paid his way is Grecian Groom. Although he has only won twice one of those wins came at 33/1. He has done very little of note apart from that win however. He runs in the novice hurdle at 6.00. He is related to smart flat performer Gamut.
Urban Tiger looked a good bet to succeed over hurdles this season based on his flat form for Alan King. He has proved a bit of a flop though and moved to Carl Llewellyn mid season. He has put in a few placed efforts and may be able to get his head in front in the 5.45 at Newton Abbot where the better ground may help. Mick Fitzgerald rides.
Fourty Acers won a 3 horse race last time out but the runner up has since been beaten and the form doesn’t amount to much. He will at least appreciate the ground in the 6.45 and should go close.
We had a winner from John Gosden’s yard yesterday and I fancy another Gosden runner in the Sandown 4.00. Sunshine Kid showed promise in 3 runs last season and should appreciate the ground.
The two I like in the 4.35 are Salaasa and Spume. Salaasa has already won this season at Pontefract. He looks interesting but for my selection I am going for Spume. He was a winner at Salisbury last season and does not look harshly treated.
There is a top class card at Punchestown where some of the top Irish hurdlers will be battling it out in the 4.05. Iktitaf was running well when falling at Cheltenham and could go well. Mac’s Joy looks the danger.
The other Grade 1 on the programme is the Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle. This will see eleven face the starter for a very competitive heat, perhaps Catch Me and Glencove Marina being the top ones of note.
A Group race campaigner on the flat in his native Germany, Catch Me is a classy novice, and he could even better his third-placing in the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle now.
Catch Me would be my selection with Cuan Na Grai ridden by AP McCoy another for the short list.
Bye for now.
ahorse 