Warwick 1.40 

 

A Hands and heels race over 3 miles and 2 furlongs with 12 runners and I do like this type of race because you need to look for horses that run kindly and can get into a nice rhythm and are suited by running without the whip as an aid.

 

You can make claims about the top 3-4 in the betting and a few at bigger Odds but in deteriorating conditions a couple stand out as each way value. 

 

BARRICANE for the in form Olly Murphy team won off marks of 98 and 105 last season, gets first time blinkers here and off a mark of 103 with one of the stronger jockey's I'll be disappointed if he's not placed at least. NEWTONIAN has a Course win off a mark of 79 in mud, runs off a mark of 80 and strikes me as a genuine horse who is moderate but one who will get round and that might be enough to put it bang in contention. If there is one at big odds (20/1 plus) who may also run a similar race it's Elfride , a dour stayer on a decent mark and a decent jockey in the context of the race (now backed into 12/1! (Robin T)

 

Exeter 4.30 

 

A Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs 18 run - Soft / Heavy - a lot of rain due mid morning

 

I don't think Native Moon nor Shuil Ceoil will be particularly suited by conditions and they are opposable at their tight early prices. Nollyador made a pleasing return off a long absence but is one who may not be bottomed out in the conditions after such a long absence previously, Colleenymore may need this run but has some solid back form. 

 

David Pipe runs three at big prices and all have shown glimmers of form and are not at all lightly discounted. I'm going to TRACK all three and I think all have time on their side and whilst placed runs from Back Yourself and Coconut twist would not surprise me at all, the one who is worth a small side bet each way at around 33/1 is Johannes whose sole win making all 0n handicap debut off a mark of 89 really does jump off the page at me, despite recent problems.

 

I think the best pair here on past form and market value are WOT YOU WEARING who has had a wind operation and is incredibly well handicapped on old form IF that has restored the horse to anything like full health. FIERCE WARRIOR for Nicky Henderson has shown some promise and the drop in trip form 3 miles may be the key to unlocking that potential. My third rated if you want to play enhanced places to 5th would be DIAMATISTE who on Good to Soft or better would have been top rated as it has some very solid Course and Distance form, just a question of how it handles the mud (The Advisor)

 

Punchestown 3.50 

 

Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles and the top 3 in the market whilst likely to dominate are by no means bombproof.

 

Arion Soldier is well worth TRACKING forwards, and with 16 runners if you can get Odds to 5th then at big odds both the exposed COSMO RENFRO whose best form has been here in attritional ground and TOPGUN SIMMY who won what could have been a very nice Maiden here in impressive fashion and who may now finally be able to find a level in handicaps, are well worth a small each way investment.

 

My clear top 2 rated though are LUCKY VIV who won with enough in hand over shorter at this Course on it's last run to suggest it can go in again and PLAIN OR BATTERED, a bit more exposed than some but lightly raced of late and first time Blinkers really catch the eye and one who looks a solid durable type. (Michael G)

 

---