Paul Ferguson picks out Silicium (1.45 Kempton), Rangitoto (4.10 Newbury) and Montbazon (4.25 Doncaster) on Saturday.
Since his eye-catching debut run at Kempton three weeks ago, the valuable DBS Bumper at Doncaster this afternoon has been the target for Montbazon (4:25) and, though it looks a hot contest on paper, Alan King’s charge is fancied to get off the mark under Robert Thornton.
The four-year-old still holds an entry in the Champion Bumper, but this is the main objective and King can land the prize for the second time in three years, having saddled Lidar to victory in 2009.
It seems significant that Barry Geraghty heads to Kempton for the first two races, before travelling back to Newbury for a trio of rides, and Silicium (1:45) can make the trip worthwhile by landing the opener.
This doesn’t look the strongest heat by the track’s standards and, given the way he moved on his only start to date, the drop back in trip and sharper course will be in the five-year-olds favour.
A half-brother to the stable’s Radium, Nicky Henderson’s charge can score at the second time of asking, though keep and eye on Somewhatinevitable (a horse I have put up in the past) as he certainly looks to have a future.
Geraghty’s first ride at Newbury is aboard State Benefit in the extended 3m novices’ hurdle, but the pair may struggle to concede 7lbs to ex-pointer Rangitoto (4:10) who shaped with plenty of promise on his rules debut at Ffos Las.
The step up in trip should bring about plenty of improvement and the son of Old Vic can provide Ruby Walsh with a comeback winner.
Saturday’s selections:
1:45 Kempton: Silicium
4:10 Newbury: Rangitoto
4:25 Doncaster: Montbazon
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase
