WINCANTON is one of my favourite courses and the drive through so many picturesque Somerset villages is always a pleasure. There is an eight race card on today and Paul Nicholls has three runners, including one of my selections Daylami Kirk.
There is also jump racing this afternoon at Musselburgh, which includes the return of two Donald McCain-trained runners to the track and we wish Donald all the best today after the trainer’s equine flu quarantine.
Today there is all-weather at Southwell and this evening at Kempton where Verdana Blue takes centre stage in the 6.30. Nicky Henderson’s charge is currently 14/1 for the Unibet Champion Hurdle and looks a cracking each-way bet, given the expected going in March.
Today I’m off to do a piece on the etiquette of afternoon tea ahead of The Cheltenham Festival, where 45,000 afternoon teas will be served during The Festival™ In-between the scones I will be checking my selections!
2.10 Musselburgh 2m Hurdle
JOHN WILLIAMS for the Sandy Thompson yard simply looks better class than his opponents. He was a winner here over half a mile further in December but he showed this trip holds no fears when second at Ayr last time. Cool Valley, who looks the danger on form, simply doesn’t win races, and this looks a great opportunity for him to score.
Unibet win 8/11
2.20 Wincanton 2m 5½f Hurdle
Paul Nicholls runs DAYLAMI KIRK, who if you go back far enough in his form and he wasn’t beaten by far Lalor in bumper here, and a couple of his runs in novice hurdles hinted at ability. He’s really not taken to fences this year at all, but a return to hurdles and, just as pertinently, a change of yard from Ron Hodges to Paul Nicholls, may well see a vast improvement today. Every chance of scoring for a yard that can do no wrong with a strike rate of 28%.
Unibet win 11/4
3.05 Southwell 1m 4f
HARBOUR QUAY (nap) is open to plenty of improvement after just four starts and he took a fair leap forward when encountering Fibresand here last week on Handicap debut, making most of the running and sticking on well for second (Epitaph, reopposing here, well behind). As long as this quick turnaround isn't a bother, he could take another step forward and take this.
Unibet win 7/2
4.10 Southwell 7f
CUSTARD THE DRAGON looks decent each way value here and has been overlooked as there is no shortage of pace on here, with three or four front runners in attendance, and it might give course regular Custard The Dragon something to aim at. Not beaten far in similar company at Newcastle last week and of his 12 starts at Southwell, he’s won or been in the frame six times.
Unibet each way 10/1
5.30 Kempton 6f
ELLIOT THE DRAGON scored his first career success over course and distance here last month when settling much better and striking late. He is 3lbs higher this afternoon and gave every impression, if settling again today, that there is more to come.Callum Shepherd once again takes the ride and Derek Shaw has his yard in flying form with a strike rate of 26%.
Unibet each way 15/2
