Col du Pre' 5/1 – Fontwell 4.20
With the Venetia Williams stable being amongst the winners in the last week, it could be the right time to back Col du Pre'.
Since moving to Venetia's yard, he hasn't done great, but his last start was by far the best of his three runs. He finished third at Hereford in a Class 3 race, a better quality race than today's race. If he can improve on that performance and enjoy the slight step up in trip, he has a fighting chance.
He is still only a five-year-old, so he has plenty of time on his hands and can definitely improve further.
Minella Premier 5/1 – Fontwell 4.50
The owner of Minella Premier, O S Harris came into the racing world quite quickly a few years ago. He acquired some lovely jumps horses and had them trained by the biggest trainers in the UK. He has quietened down his operation and hasn't had a runner over the jumps this season, but he must have seen something in Minella Premier for him to buy him.
This owner is 4/9 in bumper races, with a further two being placed, so he definitely has a good source for races like this. It won't be an easy race to win despite it being a small field, but he was impressive on his sole PTP win back in 2024.
Molten Sea 6/1 – Hereford 2.40
On paper, this doesn't look like a strong race, so I can see why Madama La Papillon is the short-priced favourite. I decided to take her on last time out, as I thought the form wasn't as strong as it looks and she was flattered to finishing second at 80/1. It was proven right, as she was beaten by a Fergal O'Brien horse, and I'm hoping another Fergal horse does the same for this race.
Molten Sea is making her hurdling debut since moving from William Haggas' stable. It's crazy to see a Too Darn Hot progeny over hurdles, but he has already had a couple of winners in this sphere. This horse was a decent handicapper for William Haggas, getting a couple of wins, and showing stamina over two miles on soft ground.
She will stay the trip and handle the ground, it all comes down to her fitness and aptitude for jumping.
Flowing Cadenza 3/1 – Hereford 3.10
He is getting on in age, but Flowing Cadenza ran well last time out, after being massively out of form for a long time. The yard is having winners again, and if he can build on his recent runner-up finish, he is dangerous to overlook.
Flowing Cadenza is running in this race off bottom weight, and since we know that is a course and distance winner at Hereford, I thought he was the pick of the bunch.
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