Ascot
1.00 Bunclody is having only his second run over fences having won a 3 runner affair at Haydock last month. Both his wins have come on heavy ground but he may well be even more effective on better ground. Lightly raced and difficult for the handicapper to asses he is an interesting runner.
2.05 Kentford Grey Lady goes for the hat trick after wins at Kempton and Exeter.
2.35 A Bridge Too Far is yet to finish out of the first two in 7 runs and his last effort when only beaten a neck at Doncaster last month after a lay off was encouraging. Royal Charm reverts to hurdles after losing his confidence over fences.
3.10 Finian’s Rainbow just got up to beat Wishfull Thinking at Kempton over Christmas. As that was his first run since April he should stand a good chance of confirming the form. Al Ferof represents the winning trainer of this race for the last 3 season’s Paul Nicholls and is very much respected. Finian’s Rainbow should just have the edge though.
3.45 Sa Suffitt has been running well without winning and has an each way chance at around 12/1.
4.20 Black Noddy, Grove Pride and The Pretender all have claims. Grove Pride is a consistent sort and his tariner4 has been in better from lately. He has a strong each way chance.
Haydock
12.40 Cinders and Ashes sets the standard here.
1.10 Milo Milan was a winner at Bangor in November but disappointed last time at Hereford. He is worth another chance here at a big price.
1.45 Desert Cry might be worth a go here in a small field race that could become a tactical affair.
2.20 Reindeer Dippin has form on heavy ground and has run well on his last two starts.
2.55 Real Milan looked a useful prospect when making a successful hurdles debut at Uttoxeter and can go in again.
3.30 Mount Oscar hasn’t been seen since finishing runner up in the Racing Post Chase nearly a year ago. Oscar Gogo has proven form on heavy ground but his stamina has to be taken on trust. The two I like best though are Take the Breeze and According to Pete. Take the Breeze has won 4 times on heavy ground which is a big plus. He has won off a mark of 148 but gets in here off 142 and has a talented 7 lb claimer on board. According to Pete won at Wetherby on Boxing Day despite being 8 lbs out of the handicap. He is a course winner and handles soft ground.
4.05 Glenwood Knight ran well over hurdles at Newcastle last month which hopefulky will act as a confidence booster for his return to fences. He has won on heavy ground.
Wincanton
1.35 Bathwick Brave could be interesting on his handicap bow.
3.55 Sarika has shown a winning attitude in winning twice at Exeter. Although he is out of the handicap he looks progressive as is just preferred to Gurtacrue.
4.25 Josh’s Dreamway has some good bumper form, should like the ground and has an each way chance at around 12/1.
Naas
Willie Mullins saddles the favourite in the first 3 races and all look likely winners. The 2.15 is an intriguing contest. Dylan Ross has prove4d something of a weak finisher and wears first time blinkers. It might be worth taking him on with Distant Memories, a useful flat horse that made a winning hurdles bow at Limerick.
Turf trivia
The most valuable jumping race ever held at Birmingham racecourse was the Tote Investors Chase on 4 November 1958 worth £2,414 12s 6d to the winner.
Picture courtesy of Sarah Clegg.
ahorse 