Yesterday
Chosen World may have been much closer with a proper pace on but finished fifth. Saisons D'Or returned to action after a lengthy break off a low mark and won at 14/1. Jack Garritty was able to set a slow pace and stay on to win. The course looked to be riding very slowly and the form may prove unreliable.
Today's Race
The 3.35 at Hereford is a class 5 handicap chase run over 2m5f.
Today's Contenders
It is a very open race (as is my preference) and there's little collateral form on offer. It's hard to take a strong opinion on how any of these will run and scouting for value may be the best approach to take.
Annie Day and Pottlereaghexpress don't look value bets for me. Mount Oliver has been drifting badly and trainer's 4% strike rate puts me off. Joly Maker may be fairly priced but doesn't much appeal. Larcadio is not for me.
Arqalina (Venetia Williams) and Blue Monday (Fergal O'Brien) have sound claims. Kiera Royale won well enough last time to make her a player too.
The aptly named Early Days is of interest on her second chase start for Colin Tizzard. Arquebusier has a fairly strong place claim in this grade.
Miss Antipova has a tough rating after one try over fences but is a bit unexposed and looks a very big price for placing in this grade.
A chance is taken on Oakley Hall. He had a long break before returning to action in an amateur jockeys hurdle in December. Ran modestly. Oakley Hall was the best of these over hurdles and while top-weight here would, if fit and ready, be capable off a mark of 98. This is his second start for David Bridgwater. 7lbs claimer Archie Bellamy has won races over fences. Well bred for jumping at this trip (by Milan out of a Supreme Leader mare) the gelding's only previous try over fences came at Aintree where he pulled up. Likely to run either very well or badly, going for the win makes some sense.
Today's Tip
(To Win) OAKLEY HALL (18/1 Betfair, BetVictor, UniBet)
Recent Results
16 Feb: 6.40 Newcastle (AW) Chosen World 5th/10 @ 6/1
15 Feb: 3.55 Warwick Smarty Gold 5th/12 @ 7/2
14 Feb: 4.20 Punchestown Dounikos (E/W) 5th/18 @ 40/1
13 Feb: 8.15 Wolverhampton (AW) Greengage 2nd/7 @ 7/2
12 Feb: 7.00 Dundalk (AW) Caesar's Comet 8th/13 @ 16/1
11 Feb: 6.30 Newcastle (AW) Fendale 1st/8 @ 7/2
10 Feb: 5.45 Wolverhampton (AW) Almost An Angel 8th/9 @ 4/1
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +17.8
All 2021 LSP: +17.8