Paul Ferguson has three selections for us on Saturday; Winter Escape (2.45 Ayr); Barney Roy (3.05 Newbury) and Crystal Ocean (6.30 Nottingham).
Disappointing when sent off favourite for the Greatwood Hurdle Winter Escape (2:45) returned to action with a sound fifth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and is fancied to land this afternoon’s Scottish Champion Hurdle for Alan King and JP McManus.
The better ground and flatter track should be in his favour and, should he improve for that outing in the County – feasible after four months off and having reportedly not been right for a while – a big run looks on the cards.
At Newbury Barney Roy (3:05) can maintain his 100% record in the JLT Greenham Stakes, on his first start in the royal blue of Godolphin.
An impressive winner on his sole start at two, when showing a smart turn of foot to score over a mile, therefore the drop back in trip isn’t too much of a concern. He can book his ticket to the 2,000 Guineas with success here.
Finally Crystal Ocean (6:30) is fancied to get off the mark at Nottingham’s evening meeting, although he is likely to be priced up accordingly.
Runner-up at Newbury on his only start as a juvenile, the Sea The Stars colt hails from a smart middle-distance family that these connections know well, and he ought to be difficult to beat.
Saturday’s selections:
2:45 Ayr: Winter Escape; 11/2 bet365
3:05 Newbury: Barney Roy; 7/2 Skybet
6:30 Nottingham: Crystal Ocean; 11/10 Skybet
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