We have 4 runners out from the guide today and here is a brief look at their chances.
Man At Work 11/1 (£5 free bet B365) (1226 Aintree) – Was looking to finish a good 3rd to the highly rated pair of Croke Park and Barry The Butcher before coming to grief at the last in a points race back in March. That run would give him a very good chance of putting in a big run here but at present he does not seem fancied. I’m not sure if however he has gone under the radar slightly with the Skelton yard having a decent looking prospect in here but we feel it would be foolish to rule him out at a very tasty price. Will no doubt want further in time but will enjoy this opening trip with a little give under foot. Yard are going well, exciting prospect.
Ree Okka 13/8 (136 Aintree) – A very exciting prospect here sent chasing for the first time. Goes well fresh and should be even better over these bigger obstacles judged on his points run. Was not at his best when last seen however and has the tongue tie on today having had a wind op too so at the prices will be best watched maybe. Will hold a target further down the line with maybe the Scilly Isles on the radar should this go well.
Trolley Boy 4/1 (225 Wincanton) – Very unfortunate today to be up against a very hot prospect from the Paul Nicholls yard. Has to give weight away all round here today too following his win at Worcester and will find it tough to overcome. A watch is advised and i think we will learn plenty about this one here today.
Langer Dan 11/4 (245 Aintree) – Plenty of top class form on offer and one that is again best watched today. Often been in need of a first run and it would be foolish to play today in this trappy small field event. There will be better opportunities ahead for this one.
Runners To Date
Better Days Ahead (2nd Down Royal) – Pushed along and headed late on but could find no more. Stayed on for pressure however and will come on for the run.
Blow Your Wad (2nd Ascot) – Runner up behind another from the guide in Leave of Absence. Was not beaten far and was well clear of the rest so very promising for his next run.
Butch (7th Chepstow) – A very disappointing 7th of 14 in a race that was not run to suit. Plenty will come from that race so we are not too disheartened and races will be found for this Olly Murphy trained youngster.
Don Hollow (3rd Wetherby) – Not beaten far despite being green and making a few mistakes. Looked in need of the run and will have learned plenty. Ought to go better next time out.
Gelino Bello (1st Wetherby) – Made all and just did enough on his chase debut but hard to know what he beat that day with just 1 rival finishing from the 3 starters. The runner up that day Loughderg Rocco has gone into the notebook however having only been narrowly denied by this top prospect.
Hacker Des Places (2nd Ascot) – Comfortably beaten by one who looks a little bit ahead of the handicapper and was a possible plot from a shrewd yard last time. Well clear of 3rd and looked in need of the run. Better to come.
Haute Estime (2nd Kelso) – Easily beaten by one from an in form yard. Will have more to offer but yard are struggling at present.
Leave Of Absence (1st Ascot) – Made all and ran on well having done so to beat Blow Your Wad. Found extra and showed a very good attitude when challenged. Very pleasing run.
Marine Nationale (1st Punchestown) – Ran freely throughout before asserting himself very well to win comfortably. Will come on for the run and should improve again.
Poetic Music (1st Ludlow) – Comfortable winner of an ordinary looking event. Kept on well and will have plenty more to offer.
Samarrive (Fell Ascot) – Going well and in with a chance when taking a big fall at the second last. Trainer reported that despite the big fall he was up ok and without a scratch. Plenty to come from a tough looking individual.
Teddy Blue (2nd Kempton + 1st Fontwell) – Runner up behind a good looking sort from the Skelton yard who has since entered the tracker (Boombawn). Has since won by 20 lengths at his home track of Fontwell and looked to have plenty still left in the tank too. Smart horse but will need to learn to settle.
Thunder Rock (1st Uttoxeter) – A comfortable win on chase debut and drew away quite readily. Will have more to offer upped in trip and better is yet to come.
Too Friendly (4th Chepstow) – Kept on but pushed along after 3 out. Looked in need of the run and will offer more with that run under the belt. Can’t wait to see this one entered again.
West Cork (2nd Warwick) – Pressing the winner when making a mistake at the last, would likely have come off 2nd best either way. Hopefully will still be able to pick up races from this mark. Still lightly raced and holding potential for a big handicap win.
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