Three really good meetings today after a fairly uninspiring week of racing. Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton all report varying degrees of soft ground. Two races from Ascot to look at:
1.15 Ascot 2m3½f Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)
Beyond Conceit impressed when returning from a long absence on hurdles debut. Just a slight cause for concern was the poor performances of Nicky Henderson’s runners yesterday.
Tintern Theatre looks overpriced at the current 14/1 on general offer and 16/1 in places.
Five of the other seven contenders are capable of improvement.
Will prove to be a highly informative race for the future.
I price the main contenders as follows:
Beyond Conceit 9/4
Topofthegame 4/1
Acting Lass 6/1
De Dollar Man 7/1
Tintern Theatre 7/1
Criq Rock 7/1
2.25 Ascot 3m Keltbray Swinley Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Listed Race) (Class 1)
A case can be made for all seven.
The improving Go Conquer is just preferred. Last seen on the track when second at the Kempton Christmas meeting in another valuable handicap.
Chef D’Oeuvre won unchallenged on desperate ground at Hereford and that piece of form is difficult to evaluate.
Tenor Nivernais ran well over c/d three starts ago. Essentially a 2m 6f horse who would have to make this his first ever win over 3m. At the 8/1 on offer worth considering a win only value bet.
On my private tissue I price them:
Go Conquer 7/2
Tenor Nivernais 9/2
Chef D’ Oeuvre 9/2
For many years I have raised funds for the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust (Registered charity No. 1049742.) The trust build affordable homes for stable staff and their families, helping to keep valuable staff in racing.
This year’s fundraiser will again be centred around the Cheltenham Festival. For a donation of £25 you will get the exclusive Cheltenham preview, horses to follow direct from the Lambourn trainers plus membership for the period 11th to 19th March. Your full £25 will go directly to the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust.
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