Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Friday; Lahor in the 12:10 and The Dutchman 15:40 both at Cheltenham. Compare odds and bet.
Runner-up to Sam Spinner in a really competitive handicap hurdle at Haydock on his first start for Colin Tizzard The Dutchman (3:40) is the one to be with in today’s concluding contest at Cheltenham.
Twice a winner for Sandy Thomson – one win coming on heavy ground – the seven-year-old is just 2lbs higher today, in what looks a lesser race. He remains open to further progress as a stayer and shouldn’t be far away under Robbie Power.
Elsewhere on the card Lalor (12:10) should also be difficult to keep out of the frame and might well be up to shedding his maiden tag in the opening novice hurdle.
The winner of the Aintree bumper, he was held on to at Exeter on debut (possibly ridden a shade too confidently) before being allowed to go for home from further out at Ascot last time. A mistake at the last didn’t help his cause on that occasion and he needs to settle a little better, but Davy Russell could be an ideal booking on both scores and is likely to ride him with a shade more restraint.
The strong travelling five-year-old ought to appreciate taking a lead here and he will have no problem handling the softer ground, judged on his bumper form. He was available at 4-1 with Bet365, who were paying ¼ odds to 3 places (assuming all 8 run).
Friday’s selections:
12:10 Cheltenham – Lalor; 4/1 Unibet
3:40 Cheltenham – The Dutchman; 5/1 Unibet
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
