Two bets from Andy today, including a two-point nap on the Fibresand at Southwell.
4.10 Southwell
In any normal circumstance, tacking a short price about a horse making his debut on Fibresand after a victory on a different surface (Wolverampton’s Tapeta in this case) would be financial suicide, but being as BOUNTY PURSUIT (NAP) (best price 7-4) is trained by Mick Appleby, there’s every chance this fella will have been tested on the surface at some stage so the weight of concern is eased. Having his third start for the Rutland handler, the son of Pastoral Pursuits defied a 250-day layoff with a scintillating performance at the Midland venue in coming clear of the well-backed Siege Of Boston off the back of strong fractions and with the form already beginning to take shape courtesy of fifth-placed Wink Oliver winning subsequently, he can hopefully follow suit.
4.20 Taunton
Tommy Silver is becoming a little bit expensive to follow for his backers, so while he could easily bounce back on today’s better ground, the percentage call has to be TOP TUG (best price 5-2) at a track that should suit. A useful horse on the Flat, Alan King’s charge made a bright start to his hurdling career with a ready success over subsequent winner Bandsman and although he’s been beaten on his next two starts, the combination of softer ground and level of competition are valid excuses. Indeed, his latest defeat coming at the hands of Supreme Hurdle possible contender High Bridge in a well-run event at Catterick is considered as solid form, and now retuning to a sharp, right handed track on good ground, the Halling gelding should be in his element.
If there is to be a shock outside the front end of the market, BOBBLE EMERALD (best price 33-1) is certainly capable of a giant-killing act and based on his excellent effort in a useful contest at Cheltenham two starts ago, he looks overpriced at 33-1. Although he can throw in the odd stinker, his best form has often derived from racing at a sharp, right-handed venue on good ground and given that he was quite impressive when he last encountered those circumstances, Martin Keighley’s inmate has to be worth a small roll of the dice.
