Ayr
2.15 Pacha du Polder jumps well despite his fall last time and looks the likely winner while Pauline Robson’s Rival D’Estruval is not out of it. This is not a race that I would want a monetary interest in.
2.50 Raya Star has some solid handicap form and looks well treated.
3.25 Knockara Beau is a consistent sort that looks well handicapped on the basis of his 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Mostly Bob has jumping issues but his win at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day puts him in with a shout. Lastly I have to put Portrait King on my short list after his win in the long distance Eider Chase at Newcastle.
4.00 Nicky Henderson’s runners have to be respected in these handicap hurdles and Cucumber Run looks interesting reverting to hurdles. I also like the look of the Jim Goldie pair Arctic Court and Wyse Hill Teabags. At the prices I would back both the Goldie runners.
Bangor selections
1.50 Curtain Razer
2.25 Kauto Relko
Newbury
1.30 It is tempting to go for Noble Mission who is Frankel’s brother. Of the rest Captain Cat made a pleasing debut when 5th at Newbury last October while the newcomer Essell has apparently shown encouraging signs at home.
3.45 My two against the field are Dubawi Sound and Labarinto
Nottingham
8.00 The well related Lost Highway could just be a blot on the handicap.
Thirsk
2.40 Gowanharry was making late headway on his debut at Catterick and is probably better than his finishing position suggested. He has a real sprinting pedigree and at 16/1 looks each way value.
4.25 Course and distance winner O’Gorman is the selection.
5.35 Secret City each way.
Picture courtesy of the artist Ruth Buchanan.
ahorse 