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Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Friday; Jolly’s Cracked It in the Ascot 2.05 and Virak in the Haydock 2.30. Compare odds and bet.

Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies look to have several chances at Haydock on Friday, perhaps the pick being Virak (2:30) in the 2m6f novices’ chase.

Twice a winner on heavy ground over hurdles last season, the five-year-old went on to finish sixth in the Martin Pipe and fourth in another warm Cheltenham handicap the following month, and jumped well when scoring at Fontwell last month.

On his second start over fences (had one try at Warwick last November), he was too good on the day for the classy Deputy Dan, who franked the form by scoring at Plumpton earlier in the week. He opened up 13-8 on Thursday evening and was trading a general 6-4.

Down at Ascot Jolly’s Cracked It (2:05) is fancied to make it two from two over hurdles in the Introductory Hurdle.

Harry Fry’s strapping five-year-old was too good for Clondaw Banker over course-and-distance 20 days ago and, though the runner-up has a 5lb pull, Nick Scholfield’s mount can confirm the form.

The selection travelled powerfully throughout and had the race in safe keeping before making an error two out and tiring after the last; he was probably value for more than the official margin. He was trading at 11-10 overnight.

Friday’s selections:
2:05 Ascot; Jolly’s Cracked It; 11/8 Ladbrokes
2:30 Haydock; Virak; 11/10 Ladbrokes

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