Hi all,
A welcome winner with Rockview Roman doing the business at Dundalk last evening and both Friday other selections finishing 2nd and 4th in their respective races.
Today’s selections race at Cheltenham, Wetherby & Wolverhampton
Cheltenham
12:05 – Thyme Hill – 6/4 – Gen – Trainer Philip Hobbs described the 5-year-old as one of his best novice hurdlers after his win in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance. Must give a 5lb penalty away to his seven rivals here and faces much softer ground than at Chepstow but he ran well enough on soft when 3rd here in the Champion Bumper at last season’s Festival. Trainer won this race in 2011 with Fingal Bay. Looks the one to beat.
Wetherby
3:20 – Aristo Du Plessis – 4/1 – Gen – Ran well for a long way on his seasonal reappearance when 4th of 12 over C&D 15-days ago. The 9-year-old should be all the better for that run and he goes well over C&D – 3 wins from 6 runs +9.50. He’s yet to win heavy – 0 wins from 3 runs – but is very effective on soft – 3 wins from 5 runs +8.88. Last win came her in December off 9lb higher so is on a competitive mark.
Wolverhampton
4:15 – Gottardo – 3/1 @ Coral & William Hill – The 4-year-old has been knocking on the door on his last four starts at Newcastle last time and here two starts back. Seemed to appreciate the step to a mile at Newcastle and has good chance of notching his first win since March.
7:45 – Dark Side Dream – 15/2 @ William Hill – A previous C&D winner. The 7-year-old was suited by the strong pace when 2nd of 9 here 23-days ago. Nudged up 2lb higher for that performance but he’s won off higher marks in the past. Capable of gong close if he gets another good pace to chase.
Cheers
John