We have another busy Saturday of action across both codes, with the highlight being the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh. I have decided to focus on Cartmel, which hosts a cracking card of competitive summer jumps action. Hopefully we can continue the good form after our two selections last week were successful, with Dream’s Ka winning by two and a quarter lengths and Noble Raider winning by two lengths.
13:35 Cartmel – KEOPS DES BORDES (15/8 Forecast Odds)
This looks a pretty decent maiden hurdle, with several runners appearing well capable of putting up a strong performance. The Skeltons bring a powerful team up north and could well leave with a full house of three winners, starting with KEOPS DES BORDES.
I have had him in my tracker and followed him closely. He has clearly not been the easiest to train, having had only three runs, but he has already shown some smart form. He comfortably dispatched his now stablemate Fortune De Mer by five lengths on his sole point-to-point start, and that rival has since shown smart form in bumpers and over hurdles.
He then finished second in a Warwick bumper, form which now reads extremely well. He was beaten three and a quarter lengths by Grade 1 winner No Drama This End, while finishing four and three-quarter lengths clear of dual winner Cinquenta, who has since run an excellent race when sixth in the Betfair Hurdle at Sandown.
He did not reappear until last month, where he was far from disgraced in fourth on heavy ground and likely needed the run after his absence.
Now sent hurdling over a longer trip, which should suit based on his impressive three-mile point victory, he is expected to come into his own and really deliver on the promise he has shown so far. He clearly has the ability to develop into a very nice prospect for the Skeltons and, with improvement likely now tackling hurdles, he can take this.
16:30 Cartmel – HALFWAY HOUSE LAD (9/4 Forecast Odds)
Many of these runners have questions to answer, and the most obvious claims are held by the locally trained HALFWAY HOUSE LAD, representing James Moffatt and Charlotte Jones, who have an excellent record together at the Cumbrian track.
Previously trained by Maurice Barnes, this seven-year-old landed a gamble on debut for his new yard when dominating a three-mile Class 5 contest at Hexham earlier this month. He travelled strongly, jumped neatly, and went on to win by four and three-quarter lengths. It may not be the strongest form, but the manner of victory suggests he remains well handicapped, and a 5lb rise may not be enough to stop him here.
He was given a positive, prominent ride at Hexham, and similar tactics, combined with another slick round of jumping, should suit this track perfectly. A similar performance will make him tough to beat.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:35 Cartmel – KEOPS DES BORDES (15/8 Forecast Odds)
16:30 Cartmel – HALFWAY HOUSE LAD (9/4 Forecast Odds)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 5:00pm Thursday 21st May
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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!
