By Charlie McCann
Jump racing this afternoon comes from Ffos Las and Ayr with an excellent BetVictor sponsored card at the latter and Mijhaar (3.10) taken to land the feature Best Odds Guaranteed at BatVictor.com Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles. John Ferguson’s dual-purpose animal made a winning debut over timber last term before disappointing thereafter, albeit in much higher grade. The selection has improved on all three starts since returning from a break, posting a career-best when third in a warm race last month at Aintree. Conditional jockey Mikey Ennis is excellent value for his 7lb claim and the talented, but quirky, son of Shirocco looks well-handicapped to defy a 2lb rise at the weights.
Nicky Richards’ Another Bill (3.45) couldn’t have been more impressive when winning the BetVictor Newcomers NH Flat Race at the track in November and should follow-up in the Download the BetVictor Instabet App NH Flat Race under a 7lb penalty. The well-bred son of Beneficial stayed on strongly to win well on his debut under rules and looks the ideal type to continue improving, likely to relish the extra two furlongs and maintain his unblemished record under Brian Harding.
Stablemate Sir Vinksi (12.30) disappointed on his debut over timber up at Newcastle but remains open to limitless potential and should make it second time lucky in the opening BetVictor.com Maiden Hurdle. The selection was a massive eye-catcher when bolting-up by ten lengths in a Kelso bumper last season and was well-backed to translate that form over hurdles; sent off odds-on before finishing a disappointing third last month at Newcastle. He was found wanting for a turn of foot in the closing stages however is bred to thrive over further and can return to winning ways now stepped up in trip.
Champion Jockey AP McCoy heads to Ffos Las and should be instantly rewarded courtesy of Rebecca Curtis‘s Beast of Burden (12.40) in the opening 2m novices’ hurdle. The selection built on his debut bumper success with a strong second behind Evan Williams‘ Laser Hawk last month at Newbury and that form alone should see him head and shoulders above his eight rivals this afternoon.
Foryourinformation (3.20) can land connections a double, boasting a similar profile to Beast of Burden after a similar promising second last month at Newbury. The selection chased home Dan Skelton‘s exciting novice Value at Risk (16/1 for the Neptune and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdles with BetVictor) on just his second start over timber and should be able to return to winning ways, at a track where the 6-y-o won his bumper last term.
Speed Master (2.50) is a fascinating runner in the feature 2m 6f handicap hurdle, having just his third start this season in his second season with trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. The selection built on his seasonal reappearance when out-running his double-figure price to finish a creditable sixth in a competitive Cheltenham handicap last month in a race that is already working out well. He was headed late on when tiring over three miles and looks sure to be suited by both the drop in trip and Sam Twiston-Davies replacing Ryan Hatch in the saddle.
There’s all-weather action from Southwell and Wolverhampton, with Mon Pete Fleur (4.45) fancied to score under Connor Beasley at the latter. Connor Dwyer’s filly remains a maiden after four starts however has improved with every run and was something of an unlucky loser on her handicap debut over course and distance last month. She can make amends from a 1lb higher mark.
Hughie Morrison’s Cousin Khee was far from disgraced when finishing third last week at Lingfield and should be there or thereabouts in the 2m handicap however Alan King’s Ridgeway Storm (5.45) is impossible to oppose after scoring impressively over the same trip last month under Tom Queally. The selection has been raised 2lb for that win but was value for much more and is a confident selection with Queally once again doing the steering.
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