The jumps season is well and truly running now and this Saturday
brings a whole host of top class names - Master Minded, Kauto Star, Long Run,
Diamond Harry, Grandouet, and Oscar Whisky to name just a few – along with the
tempting prospect of Thousand Stars and Oscars Well going at things tomorrow,
even if they only have 2 other runners to contend with.
First things first, it’s impossible to resist a tickle on
Neptune Equester on the basis that 3m4f should surely see the best from him in
the Timeform.betfair.com On Your Smartphone Handicap Chase (1.55). Brian
Ellison’s charge ran a great race when third over a 2m6f trip (which we all
know is far too short for him) and the form was decent for the time of year.
Over this trip he should take the beating despite topweight.
The fixed brush novice hurdle (2.30) has been used as a springboard
for the likes of Diamond Harry, Burton Port and lately Grands Crus, who went
off 6/4 and won doing handstands before going onto bash heads with Big Bucks
twice more that year.
Oliver Sherwood’s Global Power doesn’t look to be of that calibre
but he’s consistent and seems to have a lot going for him based on two efforts –
one when fourth to Skint in the EBF Novice’s Hurdle Final last season when set
too much to do in all likeliness (staying on up the hill after the last having
been upwards of 10 lengths behind on the home turn), and then on his seasonal reappearance
when once again last before making eye-catching ground and not quite ever
catching the comfortable winner Arthurian Legend (who runs earlier on the card
so he doesn’t have to face him again).
He seems to have plenty of stamina – he won well over 2m6&
½ furlongs in soft ground at Folkestone last December – and it’s possible that a
step up to this trip with a good surface could really bring out the best in
him.
Despite being 7lbs worse off with Dyanste for a 5 length beating
he gets the vote as he’s got race fitness on his side and is also far more
assured stamina wise – Dynaste couldn’t last at Sandown and that stamina has to
be a question for David Pipe’s charge again despite the stable’s excellent form.
Robinson Collonges is favourite but that might be because of
his stable and previous reputation over fences and he’s not weighted to reverse
form with Global Power, just finish level with him – Oliver Sherwood’s charge
can confirm the placings.
Others that took a big interest were Highland Valley, for
whom many are worrying about the ground although he was fourth in a well
contested Grade 2 at Cheltenham last season which has worked out well and he’d
be the main alternative. Rival D’Estruval has attracted much attention of late
and could also go very well as he’s still open to a lot of improvement. One to
make major note of in the market would be Sunnyhillboy, who’s got boundless potential
and the services of the eyecatching claimer Maurice Linehan.
The 12.50 is a race worthy of any card and while Arthurian
Legend should really take the beating following his easy win in a strong
looking handicap hurdle at Chepstow but Indian Daudie too the eye on more than
one occasion last season and it would be no surprise to see him win while Wyse
Hill Teabags and Get Me Out Of Here can both win if taking to the task. Nothing
makes that much bet appeal though with so many options.
Punchestown has a nice appetizer for the Morgiana tomorrow
but nothing makes the appeal of Scotsirish in the cross country chase (12.35). Willie
Mulllins’ Chaser is nearly always lumped with a massive weight but has
performed admirably of late, coming fourth in the Topham before winning at the
Punchestown festival. Since his Galway Plate fifth he’s got form figures of 3363
and if taking to the course, much like the stable’s other recruit to cross
country racing, Uncle Junior, who won well at Cheltenham last weekend.
Advice
1 pt each/way Global Power, 2.30 Haydock (10/1 Paddy Power)
1 pt win, Neptune Equester, 1.55 Haydock (5/1 general)
3 pts win Scotsirish, 12.35 Punchestown (evs Boylesports)
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