Isn’t That Lucky was a winning tip from last night’s preview and at 10/1 as well. There were a few losers too but let’s not dwell on those. Isn’t That Lucky looks one to follow in the long term as he should make a chaser next season.
I thought about putting Quartano up as an each way selection in the 2.05 tomorrow at Kempton. He won a couple of bumpers last season and his most recent run over hurdles when 2nd at Chepstow was quite a promising one. Incidentally, Isn’t That Lucky was 4thy in that race. There is a suspicion that Quartano is best with some cut in the ground so maybe the going might be on the quick side for him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him run well at a fair price though.
Hobbs Hill is the obvious choice in the 2.40 but I just wonder if either Lead On or Oslot could pull off a surprise. Oslot is a former winner on the flat in France and a half brother to useful hurdler and chaser Kadount. He seems to act on any ground and of course comes from the all conquering Paul Nicholls yard. Lead On was beaten by Hobbs Hill earlier in the season but his jumping has improved since then and at 5/1 looks a value bet to turn the tables.
Simon represents our list to follow in the Racing Post Chase at 3.15. However he is 8 lbs higher than when he won this race last season and the going this year is likely to be faster than it was then. I was quite impressed with Ungaru when he was 2nd at Doncaster on his last run and he would be my selection in an open contest. Wee Robbie is not without a chance at a bigger price and for those who like that sort of trivia he is a half brother to Isn’t That Lucky.
Binocular looks the likely winner of the 3.50 with the former flat stayer Furmigadelagiusta worth a small each way investment.
Kicks for Free is an interesting runner in the 4.50. This is his first appearance of the season so he has presumably had some sort on injury problem. He does have a good record when fresh though.
Up at Newcastle Shrewd Investor represents our list to follow in the 1.50. He is a course and distance winner but was disappointing on his last run when pulled up at Kelso. He is perhaps best watched for now. The Whisperer has always been highly thought of by his connections and he makes a belated reappearance in this race. Rose Davidson rides. She had a winner in the week on board Modicum.
Border Tale is trained by James Moffatt up at Cartmel where the local shop sells a very decent sticky toffee pudding. Border Tale is not the biggest but he doesn’t lack ability and he was a winner earlier in the season at Kelso. He is now on a career high mark though which I am afraid will make life difficult for him in the 2.25 at Newcastle.
The last 5 winners of the Eider Chase have all carried more than 11 stone. My two against the field would be Negus de Beaumont and Comply or Die, the latter particularly if the ground rides good.
The Sawyer was beaten by a bit of a good thing last time out in Bible Lord and may find a winning opportunity in the Chepstow 2.50.
Earth Planet started his career by winning a bumper at Chepstow and I fancy him to go well again at the track in the 3.25 where Sam Thomas has the leg up.
There is some interesting racing at Fontwell on Sunday. In the 2.45 Oscar Park is looking for his 2nd success over fences, having got off the mark at Fakenham last week. His main rival will be O’Maley who is twice a winner over course and distance.
The Grade 2 hurdle at 3.50 sees a return to the smaller obstacles for My Way de Solzen who is looking to get his career back on track after a couple of disappointing runs. He is getting weight from his main rivals and only a win will do really if he is to have serious Cheltenham hopes. This could well be run at a furious pace with confirmed front runners Lough Derg and Ashley Brook in the line up. A very interesting and informative race in prospect.
That is all for now. Good luck over the weekend.
ahorse 