By Charlie McCann
The Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is beginning to fire on all cylinders after a slow start and Minellahalfcentury (2.10) can make a winning reappearance for the yard on his chase debut at Exeter this afternoon having looked a decent prospect over timber last year. The selection failed to win in three points in his native Ireland but he was only beaten 2L by Foxrock in the last of them and that Ted Walsh inmate is rated 142 at present.
Ballyculla represents the Warren Greatrex yard who can do little wrong at present and is another newcomer who could leave his hurdles form behind now sent chasing. He must give the selection 5lbs, however, and a bigger danger could be lurking at the foot of the weights with Harry's Farewell a dual winning pointer who is surely going to be rated higher than 116 by the end of the season. A race to savour but Minellahalfcentury is the recommendation.
Baby King changed hands for £130,000 Euros at Goffs back in May following his Maiden Hurdle win at Navan back in May at odds of 33/1. He makes his British debut for Tom George this afternoon and certainly has plenty of scope but Goohar (2.40) represents a stable (Henry Daly) that have done us a few favours so far this season and he receives 9lbs and more from his rivals in what promises to be another fascinating contest.
Goohar will jump fences in time but I liked the way he battled back once headed at Haydock back in the spring and his astute trainer has obviously come down to the west Country for today's soft ground.
If there is a star on show today it is likely to be Ptit Zig (3.10) making his chase debut for Nicholls in the Beginners Chase. Since he came to Britain his form going right-handed is 1-1-2 and that second was in a valuable Ascot Hurdle off top-weight when he failed to give the progressive winner (Willow's Saviour) 21lbs. This exciting novice has the scope to make a high-class chaser and is currently 16/1 at BetVictor for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March.
At Bangor Jason Maguire is claimed to ride Askamore Darsi for Donald McCain and so is not able to renew his partnership with Premier Portrait who scored on his chase debut at Worcester for Kim Bailey. He must go close but I was very taken with Hard To Swallow (1.30) returning from a 634 day lay-off at Worcester last month and believe he can improve past today's rivals with that experience under his belt. He is a prime candidate to “bounce” but that might be factored into his odds and his tissue price with BetVictor is 8/1. He can reward each way support in a terrific race.
The Anne Duchess Of Westminster Handicap is a wonderful renewal and I am a big fan of Operating (2.00) for Donald McCain. The selection cost connection £140,000 when sold in May having won a valuable Punchestown Handicap for Jessica Harrington. The runner up (Road To Riches) has subsequently won the Galway Plate and JN Wine Champion Chase and this looks an ideal starting point for a horse who just might have been bought with the 2016 Grand National in mind.
There is a BetVictor sponsored card at Ayr this afternoon and Always Right (2.50) can confirm recent C&D form with Presenting Junior in the Follow BetVictorRacing on Twitter Handicap Chase although neither would prefer the ground bottomless. Nicky Richards' yard are in good form but And The Man usually takes a couple of runs to reach his peak and is 10lbs higher than his last win over 2m 4f here back in the spring.
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