The jumps are well and truly back now, so here’s Tom Stanley to summarise our best bets this weekend.
It feels as if we’ve been saying “the jumps are back” for the last month. Well, this weekend it feels as if they really are. No flat racing previewed and a corker of a Grade 1 to kick things off from Down Royal. Fantastic it’s on terrestrial TV in the UK too.
The consensus here is to bet against the favourite and an interesting point raised by Sam about his form right-handed. Steve and I are with the British raider who could be a trading option on the exchange given he’ll go forward.
Tricky with a few of these going chasing for the first time. Steve and I think Revels Hill should progress as a chaser and he looks well treated. I have a slight concern if it gets very testing at Wetherby. Sam thinks it’s interesting the Pipe team are sending their horse over fences so soon and wants him on side.
A bit of a guess as to where Solo is but he’s always been talked of as a chaser and he could be thrown in. I’m with him, Sam is with Nassalam for a yard that goes well with young chasers at Ascot and Steve likes Sam Barton.
Too trappy for me. Steve thinks the Skelton mare has a good bit more to offer while Sam was taken with the run of Her Indoors on the flat last time and thinks she’s overpriced.
Steve and Sam looking to the top of the market. The former likes the very lightly raced Boothill and the latter is with Soaring Glory. I’ll back a mare with good form in the book, though mainly in the place market.
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I’ll chance the Irish raider here as I can’t form a strong opinion about those at the top of the market. It appears Sam is more confident about his selection (Paisley Park) than Steve with his (Thomas Darby), particularly given Paisley Park’s solid record fresh.
Both Sam and Steve are with Amoola Gold who won this last year with Bridget Andrews on board. I thought Grey Diamond was a little overpriced purely on Aintree form with the favourite.
Cyrname for Sam and I. Best horse in the race and proved himself over three miles in this last year. Steve is chancing Shan Blue at the prices as he’s not convinced the favourite is a thorough stayer and this could turn into a real test.
Tom Lacey’s horse gets the vote from Steve and I. Neither of us can back Vinndication after his time over hurdles at the back end of last year. Sam makes a solid case for him though, particularly given he’s back at his favourite track.
Fair price about Haafapiece (12.0 at time of recording) and he gets the vote from Sam and Steve. I’m with the Our Surprise on handicap debut for all it’s small bet territory in a tricky race.
Best of luck!
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