Hi all,
Cheltenham
3:10 – Saint Calvados – 7/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes – His best two RPR’s have come on soft ground so the rain has come at the right time for the 6-year-old. Returns from a 227-day absence today but goes well fresh 2-2, after a 121+day layoff since joining Harry Whittington. Has top weight of 11-12 to carry but he’s the class horse of the race and this is a drop-in class from his last run when 7th of 9 to Altior in the Champion Chase. Slight concern that twice he’s struggled twice here but they were in Grade 1 company so he’s worth another chance on his first run since a wind-op.
4:55 – First Assignment – 5/1- Gen – The selection won to handicap hurdles here last Oct/Nov last year including on his seasonal reappearance at this meeting 12 months ago and is possibly best off a lay off. The 6-year-old makes his chase debut and if he takes to fences looks set for a decent season. Could prefer further in time, stayed 3m over hurdles, but if stamina is at premium it will suit the 6-year-old.
Chelmsford
6:30 – Philamundo – 9/4 @ Coral & Ladbrokes – I put the 4-year-old up when he ran here nine days ago. The return to a mile should be in his favour, both his career wins have come over C&D and he’s on a winnable mark if all the cards fall right. His price doesn’t scream value, but the trainer opts for the first time cheekpieces this evening, replacing usual blinkers. If the change in headgear has the desired effect, won first time in blinkers, this could be in chance back in Class 5 company.
Leopardstown
3:40 – Baladiya – 15/2 @ William Hill & Ladbrokes – The selection isone of the least exposed runners in this handicap. This will be only her 8th career start. A winner of a maiden here over 6f back in May and won over this trip on her handicap debut at the Curragh in June. Not at that level on two subsequent starts but has been given a 70-day break and gets the first-time visor today. This is likely to be the softest ground she faced so far but she by Pivotal, so should handle it. Only 3lb higher than for her Curragh win and with Andrew Slattery taking off a useful 5lb, she’s worth chancing.
Cheers
John