Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Saturday; Barlovento in the 12.05 and The Blue Room 4.10 both at Cheltenham. | Free Bets |
Cheltenham’s trials day card gets underway with a good renewal of the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase, in which Barlovento (12:05) is taken to follow up his Boxing Day success from Kempton. Only up 4lb for that win, he idled once in front, so will likely be played late once again and he still looks ahead of the handicapper. Soft ground is the unknown.
The concluding Classic Novices’ Hurdle looks to be a strong renewal, too, in which both Act Of Innocence and Taurus Bay are unbeaten novices who step up in distance. The pair are greatly respected, but this could turn into a stamina test, which ought to suit The Blue Room (4:10) who can be backed each-way. A winner at Chepstow on debut, Olly Murphy’s bumper winner ran well behind No Drama This End in the Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown, where an untimely error two out cost him plenty of ground. Available at double figure odds (12-1 in places), I would expect a big run.
Saturday’s selections:
12:05 Cheltenham – Barlovento; 11/4 William Hill
4:10 Cheltenham – The Blue Room; 9/1 Bet365
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
