Paul Ferguson has two selections on Saturday including Ardkilly Witness in the Sandown 3.35. Compare odds and bet.
Should Sandown pass a 7:45am inspection, Ardkilly Witness (3:35) is worth siding with in the 3m Betfred Masters Handicap Chase.
Dr Richard Newland’s novice has shaped well in three starts over fences to date and, while he will need to jump a little slicker in this company, he looks open to plenty of improvement off an opening mark of 133.
A dual Irish points winner on testing ground, the eight-year-old was smart over hurdles on deep ground last term (best two efforts coming when runner-up to Shutthefrontdoor and Two Rockers) and got off the mark over fences on heavy ground at Wincanton on Boxing Day.
The selection was getting on top when left in front that day and, with the step back up in trip in his favour, he can go well for Leighton Aspell. He opened up 7/1 with Bet Victor on Friday evening and should be backed each-way.
His conqueror at Carlisle almost exactly a year ago Shutthefrontdoor (3:20) is taken to return to winning ways in the Grade 2 Towton Novices’ Chase up at Wetherby, at the main expense of Feltham runner-up Green Flag.
Jonjo O’Neill’s Accordion gelding appeared to relish easy ground in bumpers and over timber, yet won at Aintree and split a pair of smart novices at Cheltenham in November on decent ground.
He couldn’t confirm that form with Sam Winner and Le Bec back at the same track the following month, but he has since undergone a wind-op and is given the chance to bounce back. The seven-year-old, who holds entries in the RSA and National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham next month, was trading at 2/1 with BetVictor and Betfred on Friday evening.
Saturday’s selections:
3:20 Wetherby Shutthefrontdoor
3:35 Sandown Ardkilly Witness
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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
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* Across The Sea – Mount Benbulben 14/1 winner of the Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown Festival
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