Paul Ferguson has three selections from Punchestown, Wetherby and Cheltenham for us on Saturday.
Up 10lbs for his easy victory here last month Thomas Campbell (3:00) can follow up for Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham this afternoon.
The five-year-old travelled supremely well last time and put to bed any concerns I had about him seeing out the longer trip. The handicapper might not have caught up with him just yet and he looks a class above the majority of today’s field, so can take this before going up in class. The quicker the ground the better his chance, so any rain would be a negative.
Up at Wetherby Irish Roe (2:50) looks on a fair mark for her handicap debut and can make it three out of three over hurdles, provided the ground isn’t too soft.
Peter Atkinson’s mare performed to a decent level in bumpers and looks to possess plenty of pace for hurdles, winning twice over the minimum trip. A strongly run race promises to bring about further improvement in this smooth traveller and an opening mark of 120 looks lenient.
Over in Ireland Monalee (12:35) makes his debut over fences in the beginners chase at Punchestown and Henry de Bromhead’s six-year-old looks just the type to flourish over the larger obstacles.
A winner at this track on his reappearance last season, testing ground is not a concern and, though he will need 3m as the season goes on, he has the requisite pace to win over 2m4f to begin with.
Saturday’s selections:
12:35 Punchestown: Monalee; 11/10 Betfred
2:50 Wetherby: Irish Roe; 10/3 bet365
3:00 Cheltenham: Thomas Campbell; 13/8 Sportingbet
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