Paul Ferguson has three selections for us on Saturday at Uttoxeter, Wetherby and Doncaster. View selections. Compare odds and bet.
It’s 2,000 Guineas day at Newmarket, but today’s three selections come away from HQ, starting with Not That Fuisse (2:10) in division one of the maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter.
Dan Skelton’s Warwick bumper winner shaped with promise the last twice over timber and I was keen on his chances in the concluding handicap at Aintree on Grand National day. The ground was deemed too soft for him on that occasion (non-runner) and this looks a good opportunity for him to get off the mark, before heading down the handicap route.
Shortly after Istanbul Sultan (2:30) can score at Wetherby, for William Haggas and Danny Tudhope. The grey son of Zoffany made a pleasing return to action, when a staying-on third at Newmarket’s Craven meeting and, off the same mark, he looks the one to beat.
I was also taken with the Redcar success of the imposing I’m Improving last backend and he is respected, but with that run under his belt, preference is for Istanbul Sultan, who carries the silks of leading National Hunt owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Last but certainly not least, Bedrock (7:50) who ran a blinder when third in the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree last time. Formerly a stable-mate of Not That Fuisse, he made a winning debut for Iain Jardine on his penultimate start, when winning very easily at Musselburgh.
Now rated 145 over timber, he reverts to the Flat on an attractive looking mark (83) and, having never raced beyond 1m2f on the level, he looks open to considerable improvement as a stayer. This looks a competitive little event, but Bedrock arrives here in the form of his life and could take some stopping.
Saturday’s selections:
2:10 Uttoxeter – Not That Fuisse; 7/4 Betfred
2:30 Wetherby – Istanbul Sultan; 13/8 Coral
7:50 Doncaster – Bedrock; 11/4 Bet365
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
