Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Saturday; Beakstown in the 12:50 at Uttoxeter and Rather Be in the 2:25 at Cheltenham.
Narrowly beaten at the Cheltenham Festival in March, Rather Be (2:25) can gain compensation in this afternoon’s feature contest, the Bet Victor Gold Cup.
Nicky Henderson’s lightly-raced seven-year-old travelled sweetly when going down by a head to Mister Whitaker and he now has a 9lb pull at the weights. With the ground in his favour and a fine record fresh – won first time out for the past two seasons and even won his bumper on the back of a seven month break – a big run looks almost assured, granted luck in running. I’ll be backing him each-way.
Of the opposition, I do think King’s Socks has a decent handicap in him this season, but I’m just worried about him on what could be the quickest ground he has run on to date. He has had a wind-op since last seen and, if he copes with the ground, he could easily go close.
Given the prevailing conditions, I am also expecting Kalondra to go well for Neil Mulholland and Noel Fehily. A strong-traveller, he is another who will relish the decent ground and strong pace.
Elsewhere Dan and Harry Skelton look to have two strong chances with novice hurdlers at Uttoxeter. I would expect Tokay Dokey to be tight in the market under his penalty, whereas Beakstown (12:50) makes his debut in a strong looking maiden.
His bumper form has been franked (first and third already won over hurdles) and this trip looks an ideal starting point. Although I have healthy respect for Legal Eyes and Young Wolf, I am hopeful that he will make a winning debut over hurdles.
Saturday’s selections:
12:50 Uttoxeter – Beakstown; 6/4 PaddyPower
2:25 Cheltenham – Rather Be; 11/2 Bet365
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