Paul Ferguson flags up Thegreatjohnbrowne (4.55) and Hurricane Fly (5.30), both at Punchestown, and Raya Star (8.00) at Aintree.
Quevega and Captain Chris supplemented Cheltenham Festival success at Punchestown yesterday and Hurricane Fly (5:30) can do the same today by landing back-to-back runnings of the Rabobank Champion Hurdle.
The seven-year-old finally got the credit he deserves when winning the Champion Hurdle in March and he can extend his winning sequence to six.
Having fancied Thegreatjohnbrowne (4:55) in the Grade 1 earlier in the week, I can’t desert him now he takes his chance in handicap company and gets 13lbs from Aintree winner Wishfull Thinking.
Today’s 2m5f trip could be more suitable to Noel Meade’s runner, who was presumably pulled out on Tuesday due to the quick ground, and he can make a successful debut in the colours of JP McManus on a track where he beat RSA winner Bostons Angel on his chasing debut in October.
At Chester it wouldn’t be a surprise to see St Nicholas Abbey bounce back in the Ormonde Stakes but, after his seasonal return he can’t be backed with any great confidence, so I’m heading across the River Mersey and to Aintree for the day’s final selection.
Raya Star (8:00) is another who needs to leave a disappointing run behind but, from a mark of 116, he is well worth another chance on his handicap debut.
A useful bumper performer, the son of Milan has fallen twice in four starts over hurdles, but also managed to win a useful event at Doncaster and would have won at Fontwell on debut but for crashing out.
The five-year-old runs like the step up in trip will suit, though Robert Thornton will need to switch him off in the early stages, as he can become lit up.
I’m away for the weekend, but my column will return on Monday and, in the meantime, I have provided Betrescue with some of my Flat horses to follow for the season – read these tomorrow and Sunday.
Friday’s selections:
4:55 Punchestown Thegreatjohnbrowne
5:30 Punchestown Hurricane Fly
8:00 Aintree Raya Star
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices.
