Jump racing on goodish ground is
something of a novelty of late, but that is the prospect at Doncaster this
afternoon when the key race is the listed 32red Hurdle in which Champion Hurdle
contenders Darlan and Rock On Ruby clash. The move away from soft ground will
suit both, for all Darlan took the
Christmas Hurdle last time in gluepot conditions. He’s my idea of the likeliest
winner, but that is reflected in a market price shy of even money, so I’ll look
elsewhere for the best bet.
The closing handicap hurdle at 16:35
is a very ordinary affair despite the large field, and few can be seriously
fancied. The most interesting runner is Jonjo O’Neill’s Mississippi
Blues, who makes his handicap debut. Such runners from Jackdaws Castle have a
habit of garnering lenient marks before showing much improved form, but anyone
looking to back this one would need to ignore his latest outing at Huntingdon
when he weakened abruptly before the race took shape in earnest. I’m inclined
to look elsewhere, and Fran’s Folly
makes plenty of appeal on her best form. She took time to find her feet last
season, but ended the campaign with 2 meritorious performances, and was still
in with every chance when falling at Wincanton in March. In need of the run
when down the field on her return at Fontwell, she will strip fitter now, and
will also appreciate the return to a sounder surface. With improvement to come,
she looks a sporting bet at current odds.
Vintage Star looks an obvious starting
point in the novice chase at 14:25, given his proven ability over fences and he
looks the only obvious pace setter in today’s field. On second glance, however,
he may struggle to contain Ruben Cotter
who makes his chase debut for the in-form Paul Nicholls yard. His point win is
a sign that he will outstrip hurdling ability now tackling regulation fences,
and the horse he beat that day is none other than Drinmore Chase runner-up
Dedigout. Ruben Cotter has the physique to suggest that he will make the grade
as a chaser, and he shaped much better than the bare result when mid-field in a
competitive handicap hurdle at Cheltenham’s Open meeting in November. In
receipt of 7 lbs from Vintage Star, he’s expected to come out on top, and
really should be trading as favourite.
Recommended Bets:
Back Fran’s Folly in the 16:35 Doncaster
@ [10.0] (NAP)
Back Ruben Cotter in the 14:25 Doncaster
@ [3.05] (NB)
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