Four selections from Andy to get the week started
12.45 Leicester
A complicated-looking nursery with plenty in with strong claims, but there’s a decent chance STORM JAZZ (best price 9-1) can be competitive on her first start in handicap company based on her three performances so far. Encouraging on debut at Windsor back in August, the daughter of Red Jazz once again shaped well in a much better race at Lingfield several weeks later and with the first three home all going on to prove the value of the form as season progressed (Teppal and Awesometank in particular are very decent prospects), the effort in finishing a close-up fourth reads well on paper in context to today’s task. Outpaced when the runners quickened off the home bend in a dash for the line at Kempton when last seen, hopefully she will be better suited to a more even run race here this afternoon and the booking of Jim Crowley is seen as another source of positivity.
13.35 Wexford
Well backed to capture a competitive handicap hurdle at Thurles last time out, I WILL FOLLOW (best price 9-1) unfortunately capsized at the third, but he’s fancied to make amends returning to the scene of his only success back in July. Since the tongue-tie has been fitted on the five-year-old, he has really turned the corner, and following a promising effort when runner-up to Ted Bach at Roscommon, he duly got off the mark on his next start over today’s course. Although he couldn’t quite manage to follow up on at Listowel two starts ago, there was certainly no disgrace in chasing home the useful and in-form mare Gold Smoke – who’s capable of some very smart numbers – and even though there’s a slight question mark as to whether 2m might be on the sharp side, heavy ground will at least ensure that his stamina comes into play towards the backend of the contest.
13.45 Galway
Not quite sure why a 150-rated, top-class hurdler like DE PLOTTING SHED (NAP) (best price 15-8) could be considered at 10-1 chance on the Racing Post tissue prices, but either way, he’s always had the look of a chaser and he should make a bold bid to score at the first time of asking over the larger obstacles. Gordon Elliot’s inmate worked his way through the ranks last season, so much so, by the time the Spring came around, he was contesting all the top-class Grade 2 and Grade 1 events at some of the big festivals. Acquitting himself in all of them, the son of Beneficial arrives here with a strong profile for his chasing debut and as he clearly came to hand early last season – as three straight wins testify – it’s easy to draw to the conclusion that he may be a more reliable proposition to catch right first time off the shelf that his two main market rivals. Presenting Percy and Mall Dini, who took a while to hit the straps last season.
14.20 Galway
First time blinkers made the world of difference to the overall performance levels and application of CALL IT MAGIC (best price 9-4) at Ballinrobe last time out and there’s every chance that he can replicate that display under similar conditions here this afternoon. Aggressively ridden from flagfall, the son of Indian River always looking in control, jumping and travelling better than his rivals throughout, and with the time figure he posted also backing up the visually impression of the performance, Ruby will clearly be at pains to get his mount in the same sort of early rhythm to maximise his mount’s chances.
