Hi all,
After last Saturday’s fare, which didn’t come up to scratch, this week’s action is excellent.
I had the opportunity to analyze ten potential races for selections today, including the Grade 3 Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse, which appears to be another good race. However, ultimately, I chose not to delve into that race, as there are abundant options and enticing opportunities available on this side of the Irish Sea.
I don't have enough time to go through all eight races airing live on ITV today, so I've focused my attention on the races taking place at Warwick.
Warwick
1:49 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Class 2) – 3m 1f
Kyntara, has flourished since joining the Mel Rowley yard, boasting two consecutive victories at Lingfield and Aintree. Despite a 6lb rise, the form from the Aintree win suggests another strong performance is likely. Martha Brae, a winner at Kempton last time is up 5lb but the mare finds plenty for pressure and does stay forever. Third Wind, won the 2022 final at the Cheltenham Festival, returns off the same mark, but this is his first start since a victory at Cheltenham 667 days ago.
2:24 – Trustatrader Hampton Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – 3m
In a field of five, Apple Away, Grey Dawning, and Broadway Boy are the big contenders. Broadway Boy's slight concern over drop back to 3m is countered by his likely front-running position. Grey Dawning, showing potential at 3m, has proven success over hurdles at Warwick and should be capable of winning a race like this over fences. Apple Away, was behind Grey Dawning on her seasonal/chase debut at Haydock but has since gone onto win at Leicester. A Grade 1 winning hurdler last season, she’s capable of much better over fences and gets weight from both her main market rivals.
3:00 – Wigley Group Classic Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 3m 5f
Fourteen runners and probably not the best renewal in terms of quality but it doesn’t lack competitiveness. Irish contender Malina Girl, who looked sure to go close when falling three out at Cheltenham last month. The rise in weights hasn’t helped her but she’s off the same mark as last time and has a big chance.
Broken Halo, was also going nicely when falling two out in the London National at Sandown. His stamina for the distance has still to be proven but there’s a good chance he will stay. Trainer Paul Nicholls won this race back in 2015 and 2006/2007.
Galia Des Liteaux, needs to prover herself in a big field butgoes well on soft ground and has the ability to be contender if her stamina holds. Volcano, a course specialist is now just 2lb out of the handicap and emerges as a lively outsider.
3:35 – Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase (2023 Veterans' Chase Series Final) (Class 2) – 3m
There’s not much you can really say about these 14 old favourites, and I had eight on my race shortlist.
Thomas Darby (1st), Mill Green (2nd), Aye Right (3rd), and Cepage (4th), ran in C&D qualifier in November. The switch to this track will suit Thomas Darby but a good pace and bigger field could be a positive for the Mill Green. Aye Right is causing me plenty of angst. I think he wants a stiffer 3m but if I’m wrong, he’s got a major chance with Dylan Johnston taking off a handy 7lb.
Lord Du Mesnil, is tough and versatile and will be suited by the return to 3m and soft ground. Sam Brown is another who will be suited by the return to 3m and the application of the first-time visor, adding intrigue. Ramses De Teillee, was runner-up last year and a reproduction of that run from 4lb lower would see him go close. He is returning from a 278-day layoff though so it will be a good effort to win after such a long absence. Nestor Park is consistent but rarely wins. He’s another to get a change of headgear with the fitting of the first-time blinkers. Place claims if the new headgear has the desired effect.
Saturday Selection:
Warwick
1:49 – Martha Brae – 6/1 @ Bet365.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John