Once again, last weekend proved frustrating, as despite finding some value, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for. Divine Whisper ran well below her best, while Stick To The Board looked the likely winner for much of his race before eventually going down by a length as the well-backed favourite. I certainly wouldn’t give up on him though. He looks more than capable of winning races over hurdles and should develop into a nice chaser in time.
This weekend sees Champions Day at Ascot, a meeting that can often throw up some surprising results. With many horses having been on the go all season and potentially already peaked for earlier targets, it can be difficult to know which ones are still at their best. Add in the fiercely competitive nature of the races, and it’s certainly a meeting to approach with caution, although it’s always a fantastic day of racing to enjoy.
13:50 Market Rasen – GALWAY REEL (10/11 Generally)
GALWAY REEL looks to have an excellent chance of following up his impressive victory at this course last month, when making a winning debut for Olly Murphy after joining from Ian Williams. He travelled strongly throughout that three-mile handicap chase before pulling clear to score by an emphatic 12 lengths.
He now switches back to hurdles at his favourite track looking well handicapped. The three-mile trip and decent ground should suit him well, while a trainer in good form, champion jockey Sean Bowen in the saddle and race fitness on his side are all further positives.
Although he is certainly better over the larger obstacles, if he can reproduce anything close to that latest performance, he should take plenty of beating against several rivals with questions to answer, with Forest Spirit looking the main danger.
14:25 Market Rasen– FRINGILL DIKE (5/2 Generally)
This looks a fairly trappy contest, but FRINGILL DIKE has plenty in his favour and should make another bold bid at a track where he has enjoyed plenty of success. He returned to winning ways with an impressive front-running victory over this course and distance in June, comfortably beating a rival who has since won twice by a combined nine and three-quarter lengths, as well as finishing second on another occasion. He has backed that performance up with two solid runner-up efforts here, most recently going down by just a length and a quarter, where he showed a good attitude and pulled over two lengths clear of the favourite in third.
He remains on the same handicap mark and looks capable of winning again off this rating, particularly under conditions that clearly suit him. His jumping is generally a strong asset, and his ability to race prominently and dictate matters could prove particularly effective against this field.
He also has the benefit of recent race fitness, which could give him an edge over some of his rivals returning from a break. Although this is a competitive little race, he is in good form, loves the track and has the ability to put his five rivals under real pressure with his bold front-running style. It will take a good performance to beat him and he can punish any mistakes from the others.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:50 Market Rasen – GALWAY REEL (10/11 Generally)
14:25 Market Rasen– FRINGILL DIKE (5/2 Generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 6:36pm Friday 16th 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!
