Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Wednesday; Snake Eyes in the Newbury 13:20. Compare odds and bet.
Having been turned over at odds of 1/5 on his hurdles debut at Kempton last month, many will want to take on Snake Eyes (1:20) at Newbury today, but I was of the opinion he would be high up the pecking order of this season’s novices (before the season started) so I’m prepared to give him one more chance.
Nicky Henderson’s four-year-old showed plenty of pace when third to the smart Clondaw Kaempfer (twice a winner for this column this season) in a Fairyhouse bumper in April and he was expected to win handsomely on his hurdles bow recently.
The son of Oscar was probably found out by a combination racing too keen on really soft ground and he may well have needed the run slightly, so it is hoped that AP McCoy can settle him better this afternoon; the 19 strong field should ensure he can find plenty of cover, which will help on that score.
After the race, Henderson didn’t seem too despondent, indicating he might well expect Snake Eyes to improve for the outing and, given his record in this race and how many horses he could have aimed at the race, it seems significant he runs here – Henderson won the race with Oscar Whisky in 2009 and Minella Class in 2010 (both subsequent Grade 1 winners).
There won’t be many excuses available after today, though ideally the selection would probably appreciate better ground, but he is fancied to redeem his lofty reputation here.
Henderson also has a fine record in the 2m3f novices’ hurdle later on the card, having won it with Broadbackbob (2011), Petit Robin (2007), Sir Jimmy Shand (2006) and Calling Brave (2002) in recent years, and he unleashes expensive purchase Cocktails At Dawn this afternoon.
The four-year-old son of Fair Mix fell when in contention in his sole point and has since changed hands for £130,000, while the winner Old Kilcash fetched £300,000 when he went through the ring.
Another well-regarded youngster, he is one to watch closely this afternoon, but faces no easy task on debut with smart bumper performer Royal Guardsman likely to pose the biggest threat under Paddy Brennan. Formerly with Colin Tizzard, the five-year-old is now trained by Susan Nock and is another useful recruit.
Wednesday’s selection:
1:20 Newbury Snake Eyes
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Last Year’s Book Results – Leading Prospects:
- SPRINTER SACRE – Unbeaten – winner at Aintree & Cheltenham
- SIMONSIG – Winner at Aintree & Cheltenham
- CINDERS AND ASHES – 10/1 winner of Supreme Novices Hurdle
- BOBS WORTH – 9/2 winner of the RSA Chase
- MENORAH & SILVINIACO CONTI – Both Aintree Winners
- SIR DES CHAMPS – Unbeaten inc 3/1 Jewson Cheltenham Winner
- FINGAL BAY – Won 4 times inc Challow Hurdle
- RAYA STAR – 10/3 winner at Wetherby, 12/1 Ladbroke Hurdle winner, 15/2 Scottish Champion Hurdle winner
- AMBION WOOD – 14/1 EBF Final Sandown winner
- CHAMPION COURT – 6/1 G2 Dipper Novices Chase winner
- PALACE JESTER – 14/1 winner at FFos Las
- SWINCOMBE FLAME – Hat-trick winner inc Lanzarote Hurdle at 9/2
- TEAFOR THREE – 5/1 NH Cheltenham Chase winner (Manifesto Novices’ Chase)
