Paul Ferguson Has two selections at Ascot on Saturday; Tocco Ferro in the 4.15 and Radium in the 2.25.
The jumps season steps up a notch again today and, though the potentially top-class Get Me Out Of Here is feared, Tocca Ferro (4:15) is taken to land the valuable Listed handicap hurdle at Ascot.
Emma Lavelle’s grey looks a well-handicapped horse and is fancied to take the scalp of the Supreme Novices’ runner-up in receipt of 24lbs.
Nicky Henderson, who has a strong team in action this afternoon, kicked off his new weekly column in the Racing Post this morning and the trainer warned that his string may be a little bit behind schedule.
With that in mind, I’m only going to select one from Seven Barrows today and that is Radium (2:25) also down at Ascot.
A robust five-year-old, he has the look of a chaser and the trip looks ideal for this, his fencing bow.
The unknown with him is the likely good ground, as all of his racing has come on a softer surface, a comment that also applies to Tocca Ferro.
Up at Wetherby, Karasenir (4:00) should defy the double penalty in the 2m novices’ hurdle, whilst Picture Editor (3:45) is likely to prove hard to beat in Newmarket’s Zetland Stakes for Henry Cecil.
Both are likely to be sent off pretty short, however, and, on such a competitive Saturday, may not represent the best value.
Saturday’s selections:
2:25 Ascot Radium
4:15 Ascot Tocca Ferro
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase