Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on from Stratford on Saturday night; Big Time Billy (8.30) and Forever My Friend (9.00) Compare odds
In-form trainer Peter Bowen endured a luckless evening at Aintree 15 days ago, but a couple of his disappointments from that night can gain compensation at Stratford this evening, starting with Big Time Billy (8:30) in the Help For Heroes Novices’ Hurdle.
The five-year-old was a pretty smart bumper performer, winning a Listed contest at Aintree last year and she returned to finish third in the same contest in April, after which she finished fifth in the Grade 1 at Punchestown.
The Definite Article mare fell at the third on her hurdles debut at Aintree recently, when she jumped too steeply but, in receipt of plenty of weight from her main market rivals, she is worth another chance.
Forever My Friend (9:00) can double up in the last, having finished runner-up at Aintree in a bumper that developed in to a sprint to the line.
The four-year-old is bred to appreciate a decent surface, being by King’s Theatre, and he travelled like the best horse for a long way last time, looking a sure-fire future winner.
There are a few interesting newcomers in opposition, notably Douchkirk who represents a shrewd yard in this sphere, but the selection sets a decent standard for the time of year.
Saturday’s selections:
8:30 Stratford: Big Time Billy
9:00 Stratford: Forever My Friend
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