Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Thursday; Buster Valentine in the Market Rasen 2.05 and Moonlighter in the Wincanton 3.20. Compare odds and bet.
Although the trip is probably shorter than ideal (especially around a sharp track like Wincanton) Moonlighter (3:20) is fancied to win for Jane Williams and Lizzie Kelly this afternoon.
The imposing six-year-old unseated Chester Williams three out at Exeter on debut, when he appeared to have the field in trouble. All three who completed have shaped well enough in defeat since and this looks an easier grade. Despite shouldering top-weight, Moonlighter – who won at this time last year on the back of a sound hurdles debut – can make all, provided he jumps proficiently.
There is a similar contest (over a longer trip) at Market Rasen, in which Buster Valentine (2:05) looks capable of going well for Ruth Jefferson and Henry Brooke.
Twice a winner in bad ground last winter, he shaped better than the bare result at Carlisle on debut, only fading on the approach to two out, over a trip short of ideal. Going up in distance and today’s softer ground will help, whilst Jefferson’s runners have been looking in need of the run this season, so he should strip much fitter. This looks a competitive six-runner race, but in the hope that he is overlooked in the market, a chance is taken on Buster Valentine.
Thursday’s selections:
2:05 Market Rasen – Buster Valentine; 5/1 Unibet
3:20 Wincanton – Moonlighter; 7/2 BetVictor
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.