Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Thursday; Karazhan in the Huntingdon 1.30. Compare odds and bet.
It’s Peterborough Chase day at Huntingdon on Thursday and the feature Grade 2 contest looks a competitive affair, though several of the main protagonists have questions to answer.
At the weights Riverside Theatre has strong claims if his wind-op has had the desired effect, while the unexposed Module looks the one open to most improvement. I expect he’ll put up a bold show, though I wasn’t really expecting him to head the market overnight.
Later on the card, the novice hurdle looks a cracker, with useful bumper performer Wadswick Court taking on a couple of smart ex-Flat performers, notably Namibian who has been off the track for 848 days.
The day’s selection races in the 2m handicap hurdle and it is very much hoped the rain stays away for top-weight Karazhan (1:30) who looks worthy of each-way support, despite appearing the stable second string according to jockey bookings.
Barry Geraghty has presumably opted to ride Springinherstep, who flatters to deceive but certainly has a race of this nature within her grasp, though David Bass is three from three aboard the selection, so it might not have been a straightforward decision (I’m hoping it is a case of the owners keeping the faith in the talented young jockey).
A maiden hurdle winner (from the useful Zarzal) at Ludlow last November, the five-year-old looks a speedy individual and should be suited by a strongly run race over this trip, on decent ground and on a tight track. He might just get those optimum conditions today so, despite his lack of experience, he is worth siding with at 7/1 with BetVictor overnight.
Up at Newcastle, keep an eye on Straidnahanna in the opener, though I had hoped that he would turn up in a novice handicap off his mark of 114 and this could be a decent event. John Quinn introduces wide-margin Naas bumper winner Racing Pulse in the same race and he looks an exciting prospect.
Thursday’s selection:
1:30 Huntingdon: Karazhan; 7/1 Betvictor
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