Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Friday; Wilde Blue Yonder in the Uttoxeter 16:05. Compare odds and bet.
The National Hunt season steps up another gear this weekend and, with the likes of Jezki and Oscar Rock on show at Down Royal and Wetherby, respectively, there is plenty to look forward to today.
Alan King sends a strong team to Uttoxeter, with the Barbury Castle handler saddling an interesting Irish points winner in the opener and his high-class handicap hurdler Raya Star in what looks a warm beginners’ chase.
He could easily make a winning debut over fences, but faces an experienced rival in Colour Squadron and another smart recruit in Tanerko Emery so the 2m contest is very much one to watch with the future in mind.
Later on the card, King saddles Wilde Blue Yonder (4:05) in the concluding bumper and, assuming he handles the soft ground, he sets a decent standard.
The four-year-old gave Purple Bay (went on to finish 5th in the Champion Bumper and won a maiden hurdle last Saturday) a real fright on debut, when runner-up in a Doncaster contest that has worked out well – fourth home Regal Diamond won his next two, sixth Minellaforleisure won a novice hurdle at Wincanton last Sunday, and seventh Bypass won next time.
The son of Oscar was then being readied for the valuable DBS contest at Newbury and, when that was lost to the weather, he took his chance in the Grade 2 at Aintree, where he ran well for a long way.
Probably better than the bare form, he looks more than capable of winning one of these before heading over hurdles and connections look to have found a decent opportunity.
Friday’s selection:
4:05 Uttoxeter: Wilde Blue Yonder 2/1 Bet365
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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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
