Paul Ferguson has a three selections for a winning start to 2011 at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse
If you have woken up with a headache this morning, then trying to find a winner or two at Cheltenham isn’t going to be the ideal hangover cure, as the card looks devilishly difficult.
While it looks particularly competitive, it is a high-class day’s racing at jumps HQ and the Grade 2 Dipper Novices’ Chase looks the race of the day.
This race wouldn’t be out of place at the Festival and, while it would usually appeal as a race to watch rather than punt in, I can’t resist but to side with Mr Thriller (2:00) who receives weight from his main market rivals.
A high-class soft ground hurdler, he was in the process of running a massive race against RSA favourite, Time For Rupert, on debut before falling two out.
David Pipe’s string is in fine form at present and the six-year-old can land what promises to be a fantastic race.
Another exciting novice chase prospect is Enterprise Park (3:15) who can make a winning fencing debut at Fairyhouse for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
The son of Goldmark was pulled-up when last seen at the Cheltenham Festival, but was previously unbeaten and relishes testing ground.
Earlier on the card Crash (1:10) is worthy of support in the 2m4f maiden hurdle for Michael Hourigan and the Gigginstown House Stud.
A heavy ground point-to-point winner last Christmas, he made a successful rules debut in a bumper at the track in February where he had several subsequent winners in behind.
Saturday’s selections:
1:10 Fairyhouse: Crash
2:00 Cheltenham: Mr Thriller
3:15 Fairyhouse: Enterprise Park
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2010-11 is available hot off the press from the 1st October for just £9.99
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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
