Oscar Whisky and Binocular should have no trouble in winning their races today at Ffos Las and Sandown respectively but neither will be at a backable price so we need to look for value elsewhere.
At Ffos Las Sprinter Sacre should win the opener at 1.30 but he will also be at cramped odd. The handicap chase at 3.10 looks more competitive though. It is tempting to go for Dom D’Orgeval off a feather weight but the pair I prefer are Maktu and Adams Island. The former ran well for a long way in the Welsh National and runs here off the same handicap mark. Adams Island finished 3 rd to Wymott at Exeter and that form received a boost today. He then beat Mostly Bob at Doncaster and that horse has also gone on to win since. Adams Island is a thorough stayer and his jumping is improving.
Iron Chancellor was only beaten a nose at Ffos Las at Christman and returns over a longer trip which should suit him for the 4.15. Valley Lad only had to be pushed out to win a Ffos Las bumper in November and can defy a penalty back at the Welsh track in the 4.50.
At Sandown Professeur Emery , Magic Prospect and Terra Bleu all make some appeal. If pushed for a single selection it would be Professeur Emery.
A case could be made for most of the runners in the 2.25. Captain Chris has finished runner up on all his 3 starts this season. He has plenty of ability though and should find both track and going to his liking here. Reve de Sivola has an engine and an excellent attitude but is sometimes let down by his jumping. The form of his win at Cheltenham has since been given a boost and he is a serious contender. Medermit was the best of these over hurdles and has won 2 of his 3 starts over fences with the other run a refusal. The bold jumping Mr Gardner and dual chase winner Rock Noir are others to consider in a fascinating renewal. None of these could be ruled out but at RP odds of 12/1 Reve de Sivola looks the value.
In the 3.00 8/1 about Lush Life looks interesting. He has only been raised 5 lbs for his win at Cheltenham and I feel that puts him in with an each way chance. The going will suit Noble Alan in the 4.05 while Regal Approach has dropped down to his last winning mark in the 4.40.
Wild Rhubarb put in an eye catching effort when 4th on her hurdling debut. She is out of Diamont Noir a multiple winner herself and could run well at a big price in the Wetherby 1.40. Frankie Figg did us a favour when winning the Grand Sefton over the National fences and should again give us a run for our money in the 2.10.
Wayward Prince is hard to oppose in the 3.15 but both On His Own and Captain Americo are quite capable of profiting should the favourite fail to fire.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn.
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