After Toby’s Next Best and Each-way selections winning and placing respectively yesterday, it is my turn to find the winners on this busy Friday of racing.
Two great jumps cards at Kempton and Bangor-on-dee head the bill for this afternoons action.
Kempton offers some big field handicaps whereas there is an interesting Mare’s Chase at Bangor-on-Dee.
Annie Mc jostles for favouritism with If you say run in the 13:40. The pair met before on Boxing day at Wincanton, the Coral Champions Club owned Annie Mc came ran out in front there, winning by 4 lengths. Paul Nicholls’ runner will look to reserve the form with an 11lb turn around here, the ever-popular Bryony Frost will be onboard. Nicholls is running at 33% strike rate in the last fortnight, only a three-horse race but worth the watch.
The Kempton card has a lot of quality and non-more so then Nicky Henderson’s runner in the 16:30, Flinteur Sacre. Owned by Irish business tycoon J.P McManus, the 5-year-old is a brother to two-time Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre. The odds-on shot runs in the bumper and should go hurdling next season, one to follow because of his superstar pedigree.
Two other meetings come in the UK today on the flat courses at Southwell and Chelmsford. Eight races in the evening from Essex (16:35 start) and six afternoon races on the fibre sand at Southwell (14:00 start).
The sole Irish meeting today comes from Dundalk, eight races getting underway at 17:00.
Today’s Fancies:
NAP: Celtic Joy, 14:25 @ Kempton
Comes up against some better competition today but is off an attractive mark. Not seen since November, he holds some good course and distance form. Jockey Adam Wedge running at 26% strike rate in the last fortnight, has a massive chance.
Next Best: High Counsel, 14:10 @ Bangor-on-dee
Seeking a four-timer, this horse and jockey combination are real improvers. Could be a slog over 3m5f but the 11-year-old will get the trip. Off a rating of 107 more improvement can be expected, should go close.
Each-Way: Eva’s Diva, 14:55 @ Kempton.
Steps up in trip after not justifying favouritism last time out at Fakenham. Willing to take another chance with this one. From a smaller stable, trained and owned by Phil Middleton. Sam Lee claims 7 pounds to enhance her chances. Lee, just 21, rode Golan Fortune to win at Cheltenham for his biggest winner to date. In a field of 17, should get extra places with most bookmakers.
