Wednesday is all about the star that is already established and the one who could be the next coming. Here we go…
1:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
Samcro is going to be a really warm order for this and on what we have seen, it’s for good reason. The ground will be really cut up by then after the first day but he is proven on bad ground. I want to see stars perform and I would love to see this horse win easily! Duc Des Genievres is the each-way bet at 14/1 as he will be ridden cold to finish the race well.
2:10 RSA Novices’ Chase
Presenting Percy is the class act here. He won very easily last year at the festival in the Pertemps so ticks the festival form box. This is a gold cup horse of the future, make no doubt. The only concern is the hard race he had recently. I love Black Corton! I’m a massive fan and at 8/1 I think he is a really good each-way value bet in this race.
2:50 Coral Cup
Max Dynamite could be really well handicapped having been placed in two Melbourne Cups and is still only rated 141 over hurdles. The worry is the ground for him but he could just be better than these so 7/1 looks like a good price to me. Springtown Lake at 25’s could be a lively one for an each way bit of value.
3.30 Queen Mother Champion Chase
Altior is without doubt the best horse in training! He has won at the last two festivals. The worry is this foot problem. Nicky will not run him unless he is happy that he is ok and reports this morning suggest that he is, which is good to hear.
The fact that Ruby Walsh is riding Douvan will give his followers some hope. This will be Willie Mullins’ greatest training performance if he can win this with Douvan.
To come in here having not run since getting injured in this a year ago is mind boggling, however the fact Ruby rides is a massive vote of confidence.
Min has run to a good level last time. He’s quite short at the moment but could be the solid each way if he drifts to that kind of price.
4:10 Cross Country Chase
I think Gordon Elliot is very keen to win this again and has a few chances here. I have a vested interest in Tiger Roll as I have been all over him since he had a sighter here earlier in the season. He has been back to have a couple of practices since, the worry is the ground is gone a bit for him. Cause Of Causes won last year and will be tough to beat again on ground he handles.
The each way horse for me is Urgent De Gregaine at 16/1. This horse has already won this he so ticks the festival form box and is the value here.
4:50 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
The Fred winter is one where I like a horse trained by Brian Ellison. The King of May was third to We Have a Dream at Musselburgh and not far behind the favourite here, Act of Valour. He is the each way selection here at 12/1.
5.30 Champion Bumper
I love the bumper and the Irish horses have probably got the edge with Rhinestone and Blackbow very fancied. I was really taken with Didtheyleaveuouttoo. He won very nicely at Ascot and put up a very good time at Lingfield. I am just worried about the ground but still think he needs to be followed at 12/1.
*All prices correct at time of posting
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