It’s going to be testing going at Chepstow today but GRUMPY CHARLEY should be happy enough on that surface as he has rock solid form on the ground. Two runs ago he finished a good second at Haydock on similar ground to last weekend’s Grade 2 winning hurdler Adrimel. He followed that up with an ‘ok’ run at Newbury in what looked a muddling race. He finished off really strongly that day and the stiffer track here should play to his strengths. Bryan Carver regains the ride and I think that is a positive move.
I don’t like backing horses on hurdle/chase debut but at the right price I’m willing to take a punt. LADY HIDING was a smart bumper mare for Oliver Sherwood and could be a lot better over hurdles now up in trip. Bred to be pretty useful, Sherwood knows how to bring these mares on and I’d say she would be pretty tuned up for her hurdle debut. It looks an open race and at 8/1 she looks a fair each way punt.
Chepstow 1.05 – Grumpy Charley
Newbury 2.00 – Lady in Hiding
