Fergie’s Wednesday double

Paul Ferguson has two racing tips for us on Wednesday; San Benedeto 5:30 Cheltenham and Akeed Champion 1:45 Newmarket. Compare odds and bet.

After running away with a Wincanton novices’ hurdle last month San Benedeto (5:30) is fancied to make a winning handicap debut, in the concluding contest at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

Paul Nicholls’ French import had earlier finished runner-up in a Listed event at Auteuil and also filled the second spot behind the useful Bivouac on his British debut.  An opening mark of 129 could underestimate the son of Layman, who has the assistance of Sean Bowen from the saddle and also receives a 6lb weight-for-age allowance.

Of the opposition, Minellaforleisure is respected due to the strength for his Gerry Feilden fourth – that race has worked out extremely well indeed.  And, Hurricane Hollow has more to offer for Dan and Harry Skelton.  Both would appeal as possible each-way alternatives to the warm favourite.

Down at Newmarket all eyes will be on 2,000 Guineas hope Faydhan in the Free Handicap.  John Gosden also saddles the exciting Cape Cross colt Golden Horn in the Feilden Stakes, but the first bet of the season from HQ comes in the opening maiden.

A runner-up at Ascot on his racecourse debut for Michael Bell Akeed Champion (1:45) appeared slightly inconvenienced by the softer ground at York on his second start, which was his debut for Richard Fahey.

Back on a sounder surface, the Dubawi colt should have little trouble in getting off the mark before going on to better things.  Entered in the 2,000 Guineas, he ran a race full of promise at Ascot and can make the best possible start to his three-year-old campaign.  He opened 9-4 with Bet365.

Wednesday’s selections:

1:45 Newmarket                    Akeed Champion 15/8 Betvictor

5:30 Cheltenham                   San Benedeto 7/4 William Hill

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