Thankfully, racing at Wincanton has
been given the green light, and there are some competitive races on the card at
the underrated Somerset venue. Pick of the action is arguably the HIS Platinum
Handicap Chase at 14:20, in which the lightly-raced Definity makes plenty of appeal. A son of Irish Grand National
winner Ebony Jane, the 10-y-o is a fragile sort, and is making just the eighth
start of his career today, and the first since a creditable fifth in the
Centenary Novices’ Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011. On that
occasion, he was outpaced over a shorter trip before staying on strongly up the
hill. A course winner on his debut, he will be suited by the testing conditions
and likely strong pace of this contest. The handicapper, as is his wont, has
dropped Definity purely due to
absence, and he is potentially a class above today’s opposition. The obvious
concern is fitness, but horses with his profile are naturally limited to the number
of times they can be risked, and Paul Nicholls is sure to have him 100% for this
return. Dangers on recent form are
Ballyalia Man and Fine Parchment, but the latter is readily dismissed given how
he threw certain victory away at Taunton last time, and he won’t be able to
dictate as he did there. Ballyalia Man
also tends to lead and competition for front-running duties may compromise his
chances (Moleskin is another regular pace-setter), but he would be of serious
interest otherwise, as he’s had his stamina stretched over further here on his
last 2 starts, and is better than the bare form of those runs. A drop to 21f
looks ideal for this sound jumper, and he looks much the biggest threat to the
selection.
In the Somerset National at 14:50,
there is rather less pace, and many of the runners (as is typical with staying
chasers at this level) tend to race lazily, notably Miko de Beauchene, Upham
Atom and Pettifour. The pair likely to dominate in the early stages are
Richard’s Sundance and Doubletoilntrouble.
The latter was unsuited by being held up last time, but is normally ridden
forwardly, and promises to improve now given a real test of stamina for the
first time in his career. His pedigree and exploits over hurdles for Keith
Goldsworthy marked him down as an ideal sort for marathon chases, and he’s
improved since being moved by owners Peter and Lisa Hall to the yard of Fergal O’Brien,
winning in first-time cheekpieces at Hereford before a second place at that
venue last time. He’s out of the weights, but that’s only a minor concern, and
the claim of Conor Shoemark means he only has a featherweight to carry, a major
plus in races over extreme distance. He can cause a minor shock.
Recommended Bets:
Back Definity in the 14:20 Wincanton
@ [4.70] (NAP)
Back Doubletoilntrouble in the 14:50 Wincanton @ [15.5] (NB)
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