Just as with Boxing Day, here are the best of the rest from non-feature
races today. Good luck and happy punting to all!
1 pt win Sarabad, 12.25 Leopardstown
In a race which could see any amount of good hurdling
prospects, the vote goes to Willie Mullins’s Sarabad. Unplaced on his only fat
run, he makes his Irish hurdling debut after two good runner up efforts for
Elle Lellouche at Auteil.
The form of those two races hasn’t worked out brilliantly,
but the hurdling experience he’s gained could count for a lot here, he clearly
handles soft ground, and he should be hard fit having run just 84 days ago.
Among other interesting contenders are Red Calima, who holds
the best flat form by some way here (albeit on much better ground than this), Edyemi,
who was third behind One Cool Shabra on his hurdling debut (form which has been
well upheld), Discoteca, who was useful on the flat for Andrew Badling, and
Sportsmaster, who gets the services of AP McCoy on his first
1 pt win Alfie Spinner, 12.30 Chepstow
Nick Williams is having one of his best recent seasons –
From his 6 wins in chases, two of them are Grade 2 events - and Alfie Spinner
can get Welsh National day off to the perfect start for the yard that are also
running For Non Stop against top novices Sprinter Sacre and Peddlers Cross at
Kempton.
Second on heavy ground in January, Nick Williams’s six year
old followed up with an admirable second to Kilcrea Kim in the Heroes Handicap
Hurdle at Sandown, before then disappointing at Cheltenham in the Pertemps
Final.
On his chasing debut he couldn’t catch Viking Blond, but
strong performances since have seen that horse become one of the major Welsh
National contenders, and this looks to be the most suitable opportunity that
Alan and Brian Beard’s gelding could find for a long time. New stable jockey
Nick Williams is already booked and a big run is expected.
1 pt win Ranjaan,
12.55 Kempton (5/4 Bet365)
Paul Nicholls was in fine form yesterday – As well as Kauto
Star’s amazing fifth King George, he had a Wincanton double and the runners up
in the other two Grade 1 races at Kempton – and that run can continue with his
juvenile Rajaan in the opening novice hurdle at Kempton.
Decent on the flat in France, he was twice a winner in the
provinces (with that form boosted as second went onto win Listed race next time
out) but he disappointed some on hurdle debut when sent off a well backed
favourite before he ran like a horse who was in need of the run from both a jumping
and fitness perspective.
Sent to Doncaster for a Grade 2 on his second start, he
raced too keenly before falling but this track should suit him if he’s buzzy,
and the two horses behind him on his debut have since won, which makes one
think the form is worth trusting. Kie has the best other form in the race but
hefty penalties may make life difficult for the Donald McCain horse, and he has
to give a lot of weight to the selection.
1 pt each/way Promising Anshan, 3.10 Kempton (13/2 SkyBet)
Harry Derham’s good start to life as a professional continued
when Deireadh Re won at Wincaton yesterday and his 7lbs claim is a huge
attraction to the chances of Promising Anshan at Kempton.
One of quite a few promising recruits to Ditcheat this year,
Promising Anshan was having only his sixth chasing start when third in the
United House Gold Cup at Ascot, having travelled like a dream all the way
round. He was on the bridle when making a hash of the third last but still kept
with the well handicapped and classy front pair all the way to the line.
The lack of a run can’t have helped, and neither could his
lack of chase experience, so it was no surprise to see him sent off favourite for
a stronger event at Cheltenham on Paddy Power Gold Cup Day. He was well beaten
when falling two out but that was a strong event and the drop back in trip and
class should help matters today, along with the jockey claim.
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