Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Monday; Pineapple Rush in the Hexham 2.50 and Just Minded in the Sedgefield 5.40. Compare odds and bet.
A winner at Sedgefield on her hurdles debut last month Pineapple Rush (2:50) is fancied to defy the penalty at Hexham this afternoon.
Philip Hobbs’ five-year-old has been selected here a couple of times recently, but the races were lost to the weather, and this probably looks an easier assignment. Despite not winning, she had earlier shown solid form in a couple of bumper runs, finishing third to Posh Trish in a Listed event at Cheltenham before chasing home Queenofhearts (subsequent Listed winner at Sandown) at Towcester.
A full sister to Nicky Henderson’s Premier Bond, she is bred to handle better ground, so if continues to dry out it should not be a concern. Available at 6-5 at the time of writing (was 13-8 first show) I wouldn’t be surprised if she went off odds on here, with Hobbs ending the weekend on a high by saddling first and second in division two of the Wincanton bumper.
Remaining up north and Sedgefield’s evening fixture, where Just Minded (5:40) might be worth one last chance, with the better ground expected to suit.
A useful novice hurdler last term, I expected Sue Smith’s imposing seven-year-old to make up into a smart northern novice chaser but that hasn’t yet been the case. He has had a break since disappointing at Market Rasen in early February and sports first time cheek-pieces here. At 4-1 (overnight) he can be given another chance on much the best ground he has encountered since falling on chase debut – that race was won by festival winner Mister Whitaker and Just Minded was sent off favourite off a 5lbs higher mark.
Monday’s selections:
2:50 Hexham – Pineapple Rush; 11/10 Bet365
5:40 Sedgefield – Just Minded; 9/2 BetVictor
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
