Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Saturday; Torpillo in the Cheltenham 14:35. Compare odds and bet.
Having created a deep impression on debut at Newmarket, I will be interested to see how Kinross fares in Newbury’s Horris Hill Stakes. However, the ground was deteriorating all the time on Friday, so it will be a watching brief for me.
The day’s selection, therefore, comes from the second day of Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting and in the shape of Torpillo (14:35) who impressed when winning the (hugely prestigious) Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 4-Y-O Hurdle at Chepstow on his reappearance.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ chestnut had looked similarly impressive on his British debut at Sandown last December and it could be that he needs testing conditions to show his best. The ground didn’t look too bad at all in the opening couple of races (at the time of writing) on Friday, but there is a lot of rain forecast for the area overnight and through Saturday, so it could well be much softer by the time they go to post for the Masterson Holdings Hurdle.
The selection boasts a fitness advantage on several of his market rivals, although Irish raider Soviet Pimpernel is respected, albeit he is lacking a bit in terms of experience, having only made his debut over hurdles earlier this month. The other one to note from a long-term perspective is Fanfan du Seuil, who finished fifth in the Fred Winter and seventh in Grade 1 company when last sighted at Aintree. He didn’t look a typical juvenile last term and has the size (and scope) to progress this year and beyond.
Saturday’s selection:
14:35 Cheltenham – Torpillo; 5/2 bet365
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.