*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
15:15 Wincanton – Gosuatri
Such is the non quality of the cards today we are going to kick off not with a definitive ‘value play’, but just a mere play to get us off to a winning start! Jonjo O’Neill’s charge had been plying his trade in the deep winter ground this season, running five times mainly without distinction until a fair third of eight at Wetherby to Choix Des Armes, a run that indicated that two and a half miles would be his preferred distance. That combined with the good ground at Hereford and running in a slightly easier race saw him travel as sweet as a nut. Galloping into the lead at the third last, Jonjo Jnr could be seen sitting as still as a statue and merely nudged him out on the run in to record a facile 12 length success. A 7lbs penalty in an equally moderate contest shouldn’t stop him from doubling up here albeit at a restricted price.
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15:22 Tramore – Prince Zaltar
This extended two and a half mile handicap hurdle is at first glance probably the least attractive race for us punters to play in, but I think that there could be a few ‘lurkers’ in here ready to take advantage of declining handicap marks. You could make a case for the likes of the eight-year-old Bite That on one piece of form and the handicapper has given him a real chance based on that line, while stepping back down to this trip should suit the Gordon Elliot trained Bust Or Bray Dee, but I am going to hang my coat on the 95 rated selection with the services of Rachael Blackmore for the first time. He has hinted on at least three occasions that two miles is patently too short for him and looked to either be given a ‘naughty ride’ when ninth of 21 in a fair maiden hurdle at Punchestown or else it was the inexperience of his jockey that was to blame. He is surely much better than his 5th of nine last time out at Clonmel, made his ground up too quickly, and could well leave that form behind with a proper jockey on board here.
16:05 Stratford – Earcomesbob
The jump racing at the two English tracks today is hardly punter friendly and there could be shocks in abundance, starting with this staying handicap chase on the forecast good ground. At the time of writing, in a seven horse entry, the layers are forecasting 4/1 the field which shows you just how open a contest this is. I fancy that the veteran mare and course and distance winner Goodtime Charlie could well start favourite on account of having her preferred good ground and following on from a fair keeping on second at Fakenham last time out. She is the one to beat, but at a bigger price Peter Pritchard’s charge may be able to put it up to her. There was certainly plenty to like about his fifth of 12 at Chepstow last time out when he only backed out after the second last after being prominent throughout. A more patient ride could well see him going close to opening his account under rules (is a point to point winner) at the seventh time of asking in receipt of 16lbs from the mare.
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16:12 Curragh – Verhoyen (Each Way)
I love these big field, mid to low grade handicaps and with 23 set to go to post I penned a short list of no less than eight entries all at each-way prices! Ajax Tavern is in a rich vein of form on the sand and if he transfers that to turf he will be a huge player along with the likes of Riot, Dream Today and Hightimeyouwon. The name of that last entry applies fully to our selection who hasn’t visited the winner’s enclosure since readily dismissing 21 rivals with relative ease over the course and distance in May. That win came off a mark of 82 since when the bay gelding has run six times (five of those off marks in the 90’s) and offered up only a second place as cause for encouragement. However, one of those unplaced efforts came in a tip top handicap at the York October meeting when 10th of 21 to Volatile Analyst when he only backed off outside the distance when drawn on the wrong side of the track, the winner has since won a Listed race at Doncaster. A reproduction of that run would see him go very close here especially as his mark has dropped right back down to 81 with the help of his young claimer.
Paul Jacobs Horse Racing Tips
- 15:15 Wincanton – Gosuatri
- 15:22 Tramore – Prince Zaltar
- 16:05 Stratford – Earcomesbob
- 16:12 Curragh – Verhoyen (Each Way)
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