Paul Ferguson has two selectoions for us on Saturday; Many Clouds in the Ascot 2.05 and Oscar Rock in the Haydock 4.05. Compare odds and bet.
With the testing ground in his favour and, more importantly, a very progressive profile over fences Many Clouds (2:05) is taken to land the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot this afternoon.
Oliver Sherwood’s seven-year-old has jumped with aplomb on his three starts over fences to date and his form is stacking up nicely, notably his most recent Wetherby success, which is working out extremely well.
A course winner over hurdles, he beat Indian Castle (won at Cheltenham off 135) and Pinerolo (won at Catterick on Monday off 112) by 16 and 5 lengths, respectively, at the Yorkshire track and his only defeat over fences came at the hands of Grade 2 winner, Black Thunder.
If bouncing back to his debut form O’Faolains Boy could pose a threat, while on hurdles form Gevrey Chambertin (actually beat the selection in a maiden hurdle last season when several hurdles were omitted at Aintree) is greatly respected, but this is a stiff ask on debut. The selection was available at 9/4 with Bet365 and Bet Victor on Friday evening.
Up at Haydock Oscar Rock (4:05) is taken to bounce back to winning ways in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, following his slightly disappointing third in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury.
Malcolm Jefferson’s six-year-old looked a high-class recruit to hurdling when bolting up at Wetherby and, though he has failed to progress as expected since, it was stated after his last run that he needed freshening up.
This contest was also immediately highlighted as his next target and, given his liking for testing ground and with the step up in trip sure to suit, everything looks right for him to return to his best.
The imposing Wuff remains a horse of considerable potential, but may still be a little inexperienced for a contest such as this. Oscar Rock was available at 9/4 last night.
Saturday’s selection:
2:05 Ascot: Many Clouds; 15/8 winner.com
4:05 Haydock: Oscar Rock; 9/4 betvictor.com
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Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
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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
