Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Saturday; Grain d’Oudairies in the 2.15 at Bangor and Quai de Bourbon in the 4.45 at Ayr. | Free Bets |
The three Irish-trained horses look to stand out in the novices’ hurdle at Ayr on Saturday, with Willie Mullins saddling two. Billericay Dickie is hugely respected, but lacks experience and preference is for his stable-mate Quai de Bourbon (4:45) who travelled really well when finishing third in the Martin Pipe last time, which is the strongest single piece of form on offer. He had earlier won at Naas and beat Westport Cove (finished 3rd in a valuable handicap at Fairyhouse subsequently and runs earlier on the card in the Scottish Champion Hurdle) and his experience can prove pivotal, with Paul Townend on board.
The aforementioned Scottish Champion Hurdle looks a good race this year. Favour And Fortune should improve if the ground dries out over the next day or so, whilst L’Eau du Sud is rock-solid and would be the one to be with if the ground continues on the soft side. With conditions a little uncertain and Willie Mullins running three – thus making the race look much stronger – I’ll sit this one out.
The other selection on the day comes from Bangor-on-Dee, where Grain d’Oudairies (2:15) can strike for Donald McCain, Brian Hughes and JP McManus. A course winner over hurdles in November 2022 (beat last weekend’s much-improved Aintree winner Gwennie May Boy on that occasion) and was a heavy-ground winner at Uttoxeter a year later. Only fourth on chasing debut in early-January, he left that form behind when ridden more positively and bolting up at Market Rasen, where he showed he can cope with better ground. Up 10lbs, he is the improver in the field and can defy the hike in the weights.
Saturday’s selections:
2:15 Bangor-on-Dee – Grain d’Oudairies; 7/4 William Hill
4:45 Ayr – Quai de Bourbon; 4/7 Bet365
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
