It was great to see some classy jumps action return at Gowran Park last weekend, but unfortunately, our two selections were very disappointing despite appearing to have plenty in their favour.
Hopefully, we can bounce back this weekend as Chepstow hosts the Welsh Racing Festival, with three days of good jumping action to kickstart the winter jumps season in Britain. There is also plenty of quality Flat racing to enjoy at York and Newmarket.
13:30 York – DIVINE WHISPER (9/1 Generally Each Way)
There are a few with decent claims in this year’s Rockingham, but no real standout, and it is the George Boughey-trained DIVINE WHISPER who appeals to me as the value. This filly is less exposed than most of her rivals and certainly looks to have more to offer.
The daughter of Mehmas made a cracking debut here in June, losing out by just a short head to a rival who had the benefit of experience, is now rated 100 and has since won twice at Listed level, with the front pair pulling well clear of the remainder. Sent off at 2/9 on her next start, she justified those odds with a cosy one-length victory at Windsor.
She then stepped up again on her latest outing in the Alice Keppel at Glorious Goodwood, running an eye-catching third. That performance can be marked up considerably, as she was slowly into stride, never found herself in a good position and didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages through the field, having to do plenty of work just to challenge for a place.Despite all that, she still finished well to be beaten just two and a quarter lengths by the winner, Wild Blossom, who has since run with credit in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes. She also finished just three-quarters of a length behind Fast Track, who was subsequently beaten only a length in the Group 2 Flying Childers. With a better start and a little more luck in running, she may well have finished even closer.
She does have something to find on official ratings, but she looks to be progressing nicely and is open to more improvement than many of her more fancied rivals. Her RPR figures put her firmly in the mix, while her performances so far and pedigree suggest this step up in trip should suit. She has also shown that she handles the track and receives a weight allowance as a filly. Taking everything into account, she looks worthy of each-way support in an open race.
14:45 Chepstow– STICK TO THE BOARD (2/1 Forecast Price)
There are a few in this maiden hurdle who look capable of making their mark over obstacles, notably Great Dance and Nimba, along with Hitintheheadlines, who needs to improve but represents the powerful Skelton yard and is bound to attract attention. I’m hoping the presence of these respectable rivals means we get a reasonable price about STICK TO THE BOARD, who looks to have the most potential in the field. Given he has yet to jump a hurdle in public, he shouldn’t be too short, but I would think he will be favourite.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing this Crystal Ocean gelding this season. He was also entered in the Grade 2 Persian War, suggesting he is held in high regard by Paul Nicholls and his powerful owners. He showed plenty of promise on his sole point-to-point start, travelling well and looking a major player before falling at the last. The runner-up has since won a Punchestown bumper by four lengths for Gordon Elliott, while the winner has shown good bumper form for Jamie Snowden, finishing second to a smart prospect at Fontwell before winning decisively at Carlisle.
That form clearly didn’t go unnoticed, as Stick To The Board was subsequently sold for £215,000 and sent off the even-money favourite for his rules debut in a Chepstow bumper in March, a race with a history of producing some smart performers. He justified those odds in impressive fashion. Despite racing a little keenly early on and showing signs of inexperience, he travelled strongly throughout, was the last off the bridle and showed a lovely turn of foot when asked to put the race to bed, winning by two and a quarter lengths. The runner-up subsequently won a maiden hurdle by eight lengths, while the third was a well-backed point-to-point winner representing a leading yard, so the form looks pretty solid.
Paul Nicholls has spoken highly of him and expects two and a half miles to suit, while also expressing hope that he can win a few novice races this season. The ground should be fine, and I think he can make a winning start over hurdles here before going on to tackle some bigger targets.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:30 York – DIVINE WHISPER (9/1 Generally Each Way)
14:45 Chepstow– STICK TO THE BOARD (2/1 Forecast Price)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 10:03pm Thursday 8th October
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
