Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Friday; Kevin’s Pride at 2.05 at Bangor and Doyen Quest in the 3.35 at Chelteham. | Free Bets |
Cheltenham’s December meeting kicks off this afternoon and after a couple of small-field novice contests, there are a clutch of competitive handicaps on the card. The extended 2m handicap hurdle looks to be an intriguing contest, whilst the concluding staying event looks a little less competitive and as such, Doyen Quest (3:35) is fancied to defy a 10lbs rise for his win here 28 days ago. A serious mistake at the second flight didn’t prevent him from winning and handed a very patient (and confident) ride, he was able to beat Gowel Road going away. Despite a good pull at the weights, the latter might struggle to reverse the form with Dan Skelton’s progressive six-year-old, who likes relatively decent ground and is 2-2 over hurdles at Cheltenham.
Up at Bangor, Kevin’s Pride (2:05) and Alan de Banks are interesting runners in the maiden hurdle, with marginal preference for the former. Narrowly beaten at Carlisle on debut, the form of that race was boosted last Sunday when Dedicated Hero (3rd) was a winner for this column and the front two had pulled nicely clear of him. Alan de Banks also hails from a good race at Ffos Las and is a horse who I have monitored closely since winning a summer bumper, but I feel that a more galloping track would be more suitable to him.
Friday’s selections:
2:05 Bangor-on-Dee – Kevin’s Pride; 5/6 Ladbrokes
3:35 Cheltenham – Doyen Quest; 5/4 William Hill
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
