Paul Ferguson has three selections on Saturday including; Melodic Rendezvous in the Wincanton 2.05. Compare odds and bet.
While the progressive Karinga Dancer and smart four-year-old Far West are greatly respected, it is hoped that Melodic Rendezvous (2:05) is tuned up for his return in today’s Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and, if that is the case, he can make his class tell.
Jeremy Scott will surely want to know where he stands with his stable-star (so should have him fit) and any overnight rain would further enhance his chance. Despite carrying top-weight, he doesn’t have to concede too much to his main market rivals and he can strike under Nick Scholfield. The selection was a 3/1 chance overnight.
Scholfield gets the leg up on smart novice chaser Wonderful Charm later on the card in the Rising Stars, where Alan King’s debutant Meister Eckhart is of interest. However, this is a tall order on his first start over fences, so a watching brief is called for.
Classy hurdler Grandouet (1:20) is a first time fencer to back, despite his short odds at Sandown. Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old wasn’t far off the top of the 2m hurdling tree and he is a very exciting recruit to the larger obstacles.
The son of Al Namix has the build of a chaser and has reportedly schooled well, so it will be disappointing if he can’t make a winning debut, despite facing the useful Hinterland and Turn Over Sivola, who shaped with promise at Kempton last month. The selection was trading at 8/15 with Bet Victor last night.
Over in Ireland Turnandgo (1:25) should take the www.naasracecourse.com Maiden Hurdle for Willie Mullins and Davy Russell.
The five-year-old won two bumpers last term, latterly when slamming Captain Cutter (impressive winner earlier in the week at Kempton) at the Punchestown Festival and, though he faces another useful recruit in The Tullow Tank, he should be up to the job. The son of Morozov is at home on testing ground.
Saturday’s selections:
1:20 Sandown Grandouet
1:25 Naas Turnandgo
2:05 Wincanton Melodic Rendezvous
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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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
