Paul Ferguson has two selections on Saturday; Somewhat in the Newbury 2.05 and Aazif in the Perth 5.15. Compare odds and bet.
Expected overnight rain could be a concern for both of Saturday’s selections, but if Newbury isn’t hit too hard Somewhat (2:05) can gain a deserved second career success in the Listed Washington Singer Stakes at Newbury.
Mark Johnston’s Dynaformer colt won by 7 lengths on debut at Musselburgh, before finishing fourth in a warm renewal of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot; runner-up Bunker won a Listed contest in France last week, while third Ihtimal took the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes last Saturday.
Last time out Somewhat went down a head in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes and the third, Washaar, gave that form a boost when winning the Listed Winkfield Stakes at Ascot.
A game two-year-old who finds plenty off the bridle, he looks in need of a mile but is more than capable of winning over 7f at this grade and has easily the strongest form on offer – Speedy Approach was impressive in a Doncaster maiden last time, while it is interesting that Godolphin opt to run Be Ready here on his racecourse debut. The selection was a best price 6/5 with Betfred overnight.
Up at Perth, the improving Sea Lord is sure to be popular in the Summer Champion Hurdle, though he is up 13lbs for his Summer Hurdle success at Market Rasen and has to concede weight all around here.
Gordon Elliott’s inconsistent raider Shadow Catcher is one that could easily bounce back after finishing midfield in the Galway Hurdle last time, but Aazif (5:15) gets in here with a nice low weight and seems to be at the top of his game over hurdles.
Twice a winner during May, he ran well against more experienced rivals at Aintree the following month and most recently bolted by 28 lengths in a novice event at Bangor-On-Dee.
He gave Kettlewell a stone that night and the runner-up came out and lowered the colours of the disappointing New Year’s Eve at Stratford earlier in the week. To date, the pick of his form has come on good-to-firm, but there was ease in the ground at Aintree and he won his Flat maiden on good. He was available at 7/2 overnight with Hills.
Saturday’s selections:
2:05 Newbury Somewhat
5:15 Perth Aazif
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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New for 2013-14:
Grade 1 winning jockeys Nick Scholfield and Jane Mangan provide readers with their horses to follow
Last years results included:
* Leading Prospects, Arvika Ligeonniere (x3), Boston Bob, Captain Conan (x3), Champagne Fever (x2 inc Supreme Novices’ Hurdle), Glens Melody, Melodic Rendezvous, Simonsig (Arkle) & Un Atout won 13 Grade 1 novice contests between them
* My Tent Or Yours won 4 times including the Betfair Hurdle and the Top Novices’ at Aintree
* Stable Round-Up included Neptune winner The New One, Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Court Minstrel and David Pipe’s Dynaste of whom it read “could follow the Grands Crus path of last year, starting in the Steel Plate And Sections before he is readied for the Feltham” – he won both races and also scored at Aintree in April
* Across The Sea – Mount Benbulben 14/1 winner of the Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown Festival
* Under The Hammer – horses featured in this section included Champion Bumper winner Briar Hill (25/1) and The Liquidator, who won the equivalent Grade 1 at Punchestown – this section has been greatly increased for 2013-14
