Paul Ferguson splits stakes on two big price horses at Taunton today; Third Intention and Dunraven Storm (both 15.20). Compare odds.
A good day’s action across four meetings in Britain and Ireland on Thursday and, though I don’t like doing it often, I’m splitting stakes on two horses in the same race at Taunton in the Read Donald McCain’s Column On Betfair Handicap Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls saddles Triumph Hurdle possible Ranjaan, who heads the market, and if he is to head down the Triumph route, the juvenile will need to be going close off a mark of 132 here.
The form of his Kempton win was knocked when the runner-up was beaten at Musselburgh last week, however, and he has yet to convince he is one of the stars down at Ditcheat.
Instead, at the prices on Wednesday evening, I’m taking him on with the joint top-weights Third Intention and Dunraven Storm (3:20) who could well outclass this lot off the same mark of 142.
Starting with the former, he is a strong traveller who has shaped really well in better contests this season and led the field over the second last in the Greatwood Hurdle last time when still going well.
This easier track should suit and at 8/1 last night, he looks a solid each-way play for the Tizzard’s who enjoyed big race success on Saturday courtesy of Hey Big Spender.
Dunraven Storm hasn’t been seen since pulling up in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last March, but at 10/1 with Hills (8/1 general) last night, he is also worth taking a small chance on.
Earlier last season, he looked good when beating subsequent Totesport Trophy winner Recession Proof at Ascot and also ran well behind Cue Card at Cheltenham in November.
He has gone well fresh in the past and Hobbs has his string in fine form, saddling three winners on Saturday, including Sadler’s Risk and Menorah at Kempton.
There is a chance this race will be putting him spot on for something later in the campaign, though Hobbs is likely to have him straight enough to do himself justice after a 310-day lay off.
Thursday’s selections:
3:20 Taunton Third Intention each-way (8/1 VC / Bet365)
3:20 Taunton Dunraven Storm each-way (10/1 Hills)
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- AL FEROF won Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 10-1
- BENSALEM won Stewart Family Handicap 5-1
- BOBS WORTH won A Bartlett 15-8, 4/4 for year
- CAPTAIN CHRIS won Arkle Trophy 6-1
- FIRST LIEUTENANT won Neptune Investment 7-1
- (plus Grade 1 in Ireland 16-1)
- JAMES DE VASSY won Lanzarote Hurdle 8-1
- LONG RUN won King George 9-2, Gold Cup 7-2
- OSCAR WHISKY won Aintree Hurdle 6-1
- Peddlers Cross (Fighting Fifth Hurdle)
- Medermit (Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase)
- FINIAN’S RAINBOW (Maghull Novices’ Chase)
- WISHFULL THINKING (Manifesto Novices’ Chase)
