Steve Ryder has identified three standout bets from Friday’s horse racing action at Exeter and Southwell.
2:14 Exeter
Tip 1: Doctor Blue - 1pt
Best odds of 11/8 ar William Hill while publishing.
The Sam Thomas trained DOCTOR BLUE (best priced at 11/8) still held an entry for the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday but connections have decided to give him a confidence booster in this Class 4 novice hurdle instead. The six-year-old was a smart bumper horse who finished a short head 2nd in the Grade 2 oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in October behind Fortune De Mer.
Doctor Blue won comfortably from a subsequent winner Red Oak at Ascot on his next start before bleeding when sent off 7/4 favourite last time at Doncaster. Connections now fit him with cheekpieces and he looks the one to beat with 5lbs in hand over main market rival Lisbane Park.
3:45 Exeter
Tip 2: Art Decco - 0.5pt EW
Best odds of 13/2 at bet365 while publishing.
This looks a competitive 0-135 handicap but preference goes to ART DECCO (best priced at 13/2) who won this race last season on heavy ground. The Robert Walford trained ten-year-old also won over this course and distance in December on soft ground by six lengths before struggling last time at Lingfield.
Art Decco needs to put in a career best effort off a mark of 133 but with form figures of 211 over this course and distance on testing ground, he will handle conditions and should run well.
Midnite
4:58 Southwell
Tip 3: Dream Illusion - 0.5pt EW
Best odds of 9/2 at Unibet while publishing.
The Michael Herrington trained DREAM ILLUSION (best priced at 9/2) has won his previous two starts and should hold strong claims in her bid for a hat-trick. The four-year-old defied odds of 25/1 to win at Newcastle in January off a mark of 57 before following up over a mile here beating Imola by two lengths. That rival won on Tuesday off the same mark to boost the form so a 5lb penalty (which matches his rise from the handicapper) is fair.
Dream Illusion now steps up in grade and down in trip but she arrives in form and should be involved in the finish with up to four places available.
