Hi all,
Inside today's main piece you can read my Sunday preview of the best of the action at Navan and Exeter.
A good card at Navan this afternoon with two Grade 2 contests the feature contests of a seven-race card. There’s Premier Racing at Exeter and it’s an excellent card for a Sunday.
Sunday Preview
Navan
There are three short-priced favourites for the Navan feature races. I think two of them look strong but if you’re going for a multiple, I would be wary of the third.
2:15 – Brighterdaysahead is unbeaten under rules has won both her starts over hurdles. Odds on here and I will be disappointed if she doesn’t prove to good for her five rivals in this Listed Novices Hurdle.
2:45 – Favourite Blazing Khal won this race last year after 428-day layoff and returns from a 332-day absence. The ground was much better 12 months ago and whilst he’s got winning form on heavy ground, I’m not sure he wants it as testing this on his seasonal return. If he’s fit enough, he probably wins but I would rather be a layer than a backer. Ashdale Bob was beaten a head in this race two years ago. Twice a winner around here, he doesn’t really stay 3m and isn’t the most reliable but the drop back to 2m 5f is a good move.
3:45 – Nick Rockett got off the mark at the second attempt over fences at Fairyhouse (2m 5 ½ f) on New Year’s Day. He’s open to further improvement for the step up to 3m and is the one to beat. Favori De Champdou must give his four rivals 5lb after a win in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown in November. He would be in the mix of reproducing his Punchestown form but needs to bounce back from a poor run in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Exeter
Exeter offers exciting action with a Listed race in the Trustatrader You Can Trust Our Traders Mares' Chase (4:05), along with two competitive handicaps: a Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier (3:35) and a Veterans’ Chase Series Qualifier (4:35).
4:05 – According to the bookies this is between Galia Des Liteaux and Malina Girl and I don’t disagree.
Galia Des Liteaux won a Mares Listed race (3m) at Market Rasen on her seasonal return and posted a career best when a ¾ length 2nd of 14 in Warwick’s Classic Chase last time. Looks the one to beat.
Malina Girl won a valuable handicap chase (3m 3 ½ f) at Cheltenham in November and looked set to follow up back there the following month when falling three out. Not in the same form when well beaten in the Classic Chase last time but can bounce back.
I have selections for both handicap races and will be available for Victor Value Subscribers who started the weekend off with a profit after Emitom’s success at Newbury. If you want my selections for the rest of the month and the Cheltenham, you can get them here for just £19.99.
Sunday Selection:
I'll conclude this Sunday preview with a selection.
I can’t put up an odds-on shots Brighterdaysahead or Nick Rockett as selections although I think both should win their respective races. If Galia Des Liteaux gets a decent gallop to chase, I think she can win the Listed Mares Chase at Exeter. A good pace isn’t certain though and at 5/4 she’s plenty short enough. That leaves me with taking on the returning Blazing Khal with Ashdale Bob in the Boyne Hurdle.
Navan
2:45 – Ashdale Bob.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John