Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Du Soleil; 11:50 Haydock and Sunshade 15:15 Taunton. Compare odds and bet.
Taunton stages a decent Listed mares’ novices’ hurdle this afternoon, in which Sunshade (3:15) is fancied to maintain her 100% record for Nicky Henderson and The Queen.
A Fakenham bumper winner last term, she beat the useful Oscar Rose (third won last week, too) on her hurdles debut at Ludlow, before following up in easy fashion at Market Rasen. More will be required here as she takes on the smart Maria’s Benefit (a winner for this column last time) but I suspect the Stuart Edmunds-trained mare might just set things up for the Henderson filly, who can provide Jerry McGrath with a first winner since returning from injury.
Up at Haydock Du Soleil (11:50) might be up to shouldering top weight, in the opening conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle for the in-form Venetia Williams.
A bumper winner at the track in November 2015, the five-year-old ran just once last term and won on his return at Uttoxeter, despite racing keenly in the early stages and making errors up the home straight. The form of that race isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but the chestnut did well to win and promises to improve for today’s longer trip and softer ground.
On the same card Jonniesofa will hopefully make it two from two over fences in the Bet At Racing UK.com Novices’ Chase, but he is likely to be priced up accordingly. Another previous course winner – won a Grade 2 novice hurdle here in February 2016 before missing last season – he jumped well when winning on debut at Carlisle and he ought to relish the testing ground.
Saturday’s selection:
11:50 Haydock: Du Soleil; 13/8 bet365
15:15 Taunton: Sunshade; 11/8 Betfred
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
