Fans of sci-fi hokem The Matrix will recall that Keanu Reeves’
character Neo was foreseen as “The One”, and hopefully Nigel Hawke’s Master Neo can prove the one for
punters in the 14:45 at Ffos Las today. Master
Neo already has a verdict over 2 of today’s rivals, finishing well ahead of
Volador when the pair made their respective debuts at Worcester in October.
That came in a beginners chase, and Volador is forced to run off his old
hurdles mark (the BHA’s new novice chase reform was introduced purely to increase field sizes in novice chases
and not for the handicappers to see further evidence upon which to assess horses),
which gives him little chance from a logical handicap perspective. The son of
Turgeon finished well clear of Benheir at Newbury last time when neither shone
in a competitive novices’ handicap, and meets that rival on the same terms
today. A return to further on heavy ground will suit Master Neo, who impressed when winning in similar conditions at
Uttoxeter. A change of tactics didn’t help last time, and he should be handy
from the outset today. Incentivise comes here seeking a hat-trick, but has
crept up in the weights, and his purple patch looks set to end, especially with
the less-exposed Kaybeew reopposing
on significantly better terms having finished a promising third to Richard Lee’s
charge at Fontwell last time. Kaybeew faltered late on there, either as a
result of his stamina ebbing away, or due to a lack of race fitness. Either
way, he should do better now, and is worthy of plenty of respect.
Daryl Jacob made headlines when
dropping his hands on Ulis de Vassy earlier
this month, and his appeal against a 10-day ban was recently rejected. Many
will view the pair as banker material when lining up in the 15:15 at Ffos Las,
a race which looks weaker than the Wincanton event. He should certainly go very
well, but it’s worth pointing out that he’s taken a 6-lb rise in the weights
for that defeat, and isn’t the handicap blot he might appear to some,
especially with a slight worry about whether the blinkers he wore last time
will be as much help a second time. Few of his rivals can be fancied on recent
efforts, but a couple who appeal as capable of bouncing back are Scorched Son
and Captain Paulie. The former was
runner-up in this last year, and probably needed the outing when well held at
Sandown on his only start since; that will have put an edge on him, and he
looks a player, but it’s Captain Paulie
who makes more appeal. A winner of a 2m
Cork handicap hurdle in April last year for Colm Murphy, he’s failed to fully
convince over fences for either Patrick Holmes, or in a couple of spins since
joining Evan Williams. That said, he didn’t shape at all badly at Chepstow last
month, and can bounce back now reverting to the minimum trip over timber.
The closing bumper (15:45) is an
interesting contest, and all but one of the yards represented have a record of having
their debutants well forward. David Pipe won this with the promising Gevrey
Chambertin last year, and his representative Vieux Lion Rouge is respected, as
is Solstice Son, whose trainer Anthony Honeyball has few peers in this sphere.
That pair dominate the market, but there
are others with claims on paper at much bigger odds. Alongthewatchtower
comes from the lesser-known yard
of Barry Brennan, but one which sent out a newcomer to finish second in a
competitive event at Wetherby recently, and which had a debutant winner in the
shape of Theatrelands earlier in the year. Dave Evans, who has Neverminpete, is better known for his
lat/AW exploits, but 3 newcomers in bumpers this season have all run with
credit, with 2 winning and the other making the frame at big odds. Don’t ignore
this pair, especially if late money arrives.
Recommended Bets:
Back Master Neo in the 14:45 Ffos Las @ [7.0] (NAP)
Back Captain Paulie in the 15:15 Ffos
Las @ [6.2] (NB)
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