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GREAT jumps racing today although perhaps a bit short on competitive big-field handicaps so I find myself tipping one or two at slightly shorter prices than I usually would on a Saturday.
A good chance for us to get another couple of winners on the board after another profitable three days last weekend at Cheltenham.
The big race is the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock but since Sizing John pulled out I don't have a strong fancy with question marks over both Bristol De Mai and an ageing Cue Card. There isn't an each way angle with only 6 runners and the one I did think was value (Tea for Two) probably won't like the heavy ground. By process of elimination that would possibly leave Outlander but he is one who can't be trusted in my opinion so I won't be having a bet.
2.05 Ascot
I absolutely adore SMAD PLACE and I was disappointed that he didn't quite make up into a Gold Cup horse in 2016. I think the truth of it is that he doesn't quite have the stamina for over 3 miles at Grade 1 level where there is no let up in the pace and you need to get every yard. This race today however, just over 2.5 miles in a Grade 2, is absolutely his ambience and I expect this almost-white gelding to shine today. I'm very keen on my old pal here.
2.25 Haydock
There looks a strong chance that CHAMPERS ON ICE is a good old fashioned Pipe family plot horse here. His jumping is poor, there is no getting away from that, so it wasn't a great surprise when his novice chasing career ended at Cheltenham with him being pulled up. Back over hurdles today first time out for this season I can see the Pipes having him ready to rock. If you like an each way bet to protect your stake don't be afraid to do that, particularly with some bookies offering 5 and 6 places for each way bets.
3.15 Ascot
This is a relatively simple race for me. Although it is a handicap we know where we stand with most of them and I don't expect any significant unexpected improvement fro the field. That makes it wide open for SAN BENEDETO to run his usual strong consistent race, perhaps improve slightly and take this race. The ground won't be an issue and with Bryony Frost taking a bonus 5lb off I can't see past him.
3.35 Haydock
A gruelling 3 mile chase in heavy ground where I am going to take a chance on a horse I have been following since his debut over hurdles in January. CATAMARAN DU SEUIL is the sort of horse who looks absolutely perfect for chasing and is in great hands with Dr Richard Newland. I don't know how I managed to miss him running at Ayr two weeks ago but he won on his second chase start and I expect him to improve again today. The horse runs off bottom weight today against some good experienced chasers and he will certainly have to improve to beat them but we are getting a nice price and I'm hoping he represents good each way value. Certainly a horse to follow in the coming months in conditions like these.
Recommendations:
- 2.05 Ascot – Smad Place – 4pt win at 7/2 with William Hill, SkyBet and others
- 2.25 Haydock – Champers on Ice – 3pt win at 6/1 with Bet365, Ladbrokes and others
- 3.15 Ascot – San Benedeto – 3pt win at 100/30 with Betfair, Paddy Power and others
- 3.35 Haydock – Catamaran Du Seuil – 2pt each way at 9/1 with Ladbrokes, William Hill and others
