Brace For Landing 11/2 – Sandown 2.27
Since moving to Britain from Ireland, the level of form Brace For Landing has shown gives him little to no chance of winning this race. However, we know what a crafty fox Dan Skelton is with the big prize handicap hurdle races, and there's every reason to believe we've not seen anything like the best of Brace For Landing.
The interesting view for this race is that this horse was the reserve runner, meaning that the field was full and if anything dropped out, this would be the horse to fill in. The non-runner, which has resulted in him getting a run, was Knickerbockerglory, who is also trained by Dan Skelton. In my opinion, this is a tactical decision, and they've withdrawn the other stablemate so this lad could get a run.
He is running from 10st 7lbs, and it's very likely he is on a good handicap mark, despite not showing much so far.
Largy Belter 6/5 – Hereford 2.52
I've been on Largy Belter a couple of times this season, and on both occasions, he was dreadful. I said that when they drop him back to two miles and let him front run, he would be well-handicapped, and he proved that by winning last time out.
This race is different, as the ground isn't as testing, and he will likely have competition for the lead. Despite this, I still think he is worth a shot and will more than likely not be the favourite for the race.
Gatineau Park 11/10 – Ayr 1.32
Sorry, this is a very short price, but I struggle to see him losing this race, with only a couple of real contenders.
I am a big fan of the Hold The Serve form, and Gatineau Park finished behind him last time out at Wincanton. He had to give away 7lbs to that horse that day, and the winner has gone on and won a good Class 3 handicap at Kempton a couple of weekends ago.
This is Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls' only runner on the card, and this will be the ride that Ciaran Gethings has made the trip up to Ayr for.
Dundee Law 4/1 – Ayr 5.05
Bumper races haven't been too kind to me in recent months, but I'm happy to take a chance on the outsider of the three in this small field of runners.
Popton Point is already a dual winner in this type of race, and Jet Of Stars was an expensive purchase from the PTP sphere, so it won't be an easy race. However, Stuart Crawford is normally pretty good in bumper races when sending them to Scotland, and Sam Ewing has made the trip over for this ride.
He is by Postponed, a very good flat performer, and there are some good jump horses in the pedigree, so I am confident on a big run from a low weight.
GambleAware