Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Friday; Chalk It Down in the Worcester 3.25 and Yuften in the Newmarket 3.50. Compare odds and bet.
Worcester stages a decent jumps card on Friday, with The Nephew and Village Vic a couple that are sure to be popular, in the opening handicap chase and maiden hurdle, respectively.
The former won well on just his second chase start last Sunday and should go close under his 7lb penalty, though he is yet to convince he is the most consistent, while the latter really should finally get off the mark over timber, but his price will reflect this.
The bumper is also an interesting little contest, with Hare In A Round showing enough last term to suggest he can win one of these and Germany Calling bumped into a smart prospect in his point-to-point. Both, however, will need to be on the game on their reappearance to beat the penalised Chalk It Down (3:25) who won a weak race at Newton Abbot in impressive fashion last month.
The son of Milan caught the eye with the ease with which he moved that day and leading owner, JP McManus, has since snapped him up. It is often difficult for four-year-olds to shoulder a penalty in such events, but he looks an above-average recruit.
Down at Newmarket the opening Oh So Sharp Stakes promises to be informative, with hugely impressive maiden winner Radiator sure to be a warm order (excuse the pun). She looks more than useful, but the fact Andre Fabre sends Miss France over indicates she is well regarded; she looked smart herself when scoring at Chatilly.
Rizeena sets a fair standard in the Fillies’ Mile, but she faces a real improver in the shape of Ihtimal, while the Godolphin ‘second string’ Sound Reflection has also done little wrong to date. Both contests are worth watching very closely with next year in mind.
Later on the card Yuften (3:50) sets the standard in the Sakhee EBF Maiden Stakes and can go one better than he did on debut at Newbury six weeks ago.
William Haggas’ Invincible Spirit colt shaped with an abundance of promise behind Barley Mow, who has since run well in defeat, while the third has also won since. If he has improved for that initial racecourse experience, it will take a smart newcomer to lower his colours today.
Friday’s selections:
3:25 Worcester: Chalk It Down; 5/2 bet365
3:50 Newmarket: Yuften; 11/10 bet365
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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Fellow Betrescue columnist and Bet Victor’s Charlie McCann says: “it really is a privilege to write the foreword for such an informative and well-researched publication, which continues to go from strength to strength.”
New for 2013-14:
Grade 1 winning jockeys Nick Scholfield and Jane Mangan provide readers with their horses to follow
Last years results included:
* Leading Prospects, Arvika Ligeonniere (x3), Boston Bob, Captain Conan (x3), Champagne Fever (x2 inc Supreme Novices’ Hurdle), Glens Melody, Melodic Rendezvous, Simonsig (Arkle) & Un Atout won 13 Grade 1 novice contests between them
* My Tent Or Yours won 4 times including the Betfair Hurdle and the Top Novices’ at Aintree
* Stable Round-Up included Neptune winner The New One, Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Court Minstrel and David Pipe’s Dynaste of whom it read “could follow the Grands Crus path of last year, starting in the Steel Plate And Sections before he is readied for the Feltham” – he won both races and also scored at Aintree in April
* Across The Sea – Mount Benbulben 14/1 winner of the Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown Festival
* Under The Hammer – horses featured in this section included Champion Bumper winner Briar Hill (25/1) and The Liquidator, who won the equivalent Grade 1 at Punchestown – this section has been greatly increased for 2013-14
