There is a lot of satisfaction to be derived from tipping a horse that actually wins, so imagine my jubilation when 3 of the blighters that I tipped last night managed to get their heads in front. Fair enough the odds were skinny (and in one case positively suffering from malnutrition!). Still a winner is a winner and if you got on early you could have had 6/4 about Sereth.
The well fancied Paul Nicholls runner Vico was beaten today (although I wouldn’t write him off just yet) and Nicholls has another likely favourite in the Ascot 12.55 tomorrow in Red Harbour. He has the course form having won twice in bumpers at the Berkshire track last season but he was a little disappointing on his hurdles debut at Exeter where he could only finish 3rd. It is possible that the heavy ground that day counted against him and although rain is forecast for Ascot tomorrow that track rarely gets too soft these days. Emma Lavelle saddles another fancied runner in this with Prior’s Glen who ran well in a couple of decent bumpers last season. The winners of both those races have since been beaten when reappearing over obstacles which perhaps tempers the enthusiasm a tad. Red Harbour may well win but his price will be short, artificially so perhaps and I will take a chance on Prior’s Glen as the value.
Nicky Henderson saw a couple of his novice chasers win today and saddles another promising recruit tomorrow in Zemsky who runs in the 1.30. A winner over hurdles at Plumpton and Perth last season he also has a couple of Irish point to point successes on his CV which is encouraging for a would be steeplechaser.
Alan King’s horses have tended to need their initial run of the season but one that managed to win impressively first time out was Manyriverstocross at Chepstow. He looks to follow up in the Ascot 2.05. Chepstow form does not always translate to other tracks but this horse was useful on the flat and has strong claims. The highly rated bumper winner Vino Griego is likely to be his main danger but Manyriverstocross is the selection.
Aconitum and Tara Taylor I the two I like in the 3.35 at Exeter. The latter has the assistance of AP McCoy which is no bad thing and both ground and trip should suit. Tara Taylor is the selection.
Bumper winner Wymott was second on his hurdles debut and should go well in the 12.15 at Kelso. The extra distance shouldn’t trouble him and he is my idea of the winner.
Little Josh fell on his last outing but based on previous hurdles and chase form he looks the one to be on in the 1.50.
Finally, Garleton was entered in the Northumberland National the other day when the Hexham meeting was washed out. He runs in the Kelso 3.00 tomorrow and the stable clearly have confidence in his stamina. He comes into the race in good form and Sue Smith had a winner this week with Nirvana Swing. Garleton looks the one they have to beat in this.
Today’s picture is by courtesy of Emily Russell.
ahorse 