It was great to land a quick-fire double at Market Rasen last weekend, with Galway Reel doing the business before Fringill Dike ran out an impressive 23-length winner in the following race. The return of racing to Cheltenham is always a welcome sight, and yesterday’s action was thoroughly enjoyable. However, today’s card looks tricky, and to be honest, very little makes strong appeal this Saturday.
For me, the best of the weekend’s racing comes from Aintree on Sunday, where we’re looking forward to seeing Wendigo back in action in the Grade 2 Old Roan Chase. It should serve as a nice preparation for his main early-season target, the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.
14:44 Kelso – BALLYFORT (5/2 Generally)
Firstly, I have to say that Danny McMenamin is a superb rider and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated jockeys in the game, largely because he plies his trade predominantly in the north. I would urge everyone to follow him closely, although on this occasion, I think he may have to settle for a place behind BALLYFORT.
Nick Alexander’s eight-year-old won this race last year off a mark just 2lb lower and has plenty of form in stronger company than he faces here. He ended last season with two runner-up efforts, most recently finishing three lengths behind the winner in a stronger race at Ayr off a 1lb higher mark, with a subsequent dual winner behind him.That form makes him the one to beat, and he has already shown he can go well fresh.
The ground should suit him, although there are two slight negatives. He does have a tendency to make the odd jumping error and must concede weight to all his rivals. However, on all known form, he is the best horse in this race, and if he jumps well enough, I think he will take plenty of beating and can repeat last year’s success.
19:30 Southwell- JANORA (20/1 Generally Each Way)
JANORA has shown steady improvement in her three starts to date, all in novice company at Newcastle, and looks an interesting contender now making her handicap debut. She was outpaced over six furlongs last time but stayed on well to finish third, beaten just three-quarters of a length by a rival who has since won a Class 4 maiden at Kempton by two and three-quarter lengths and is now rated 75.
That form suggests she can be competitive in a race of this nature, and the return to seven furlongs should suit Seb Spencer’s filly, who shaped well over this trip on her second start. She isn’t ideally drawn, but there should be more improvement to come now handicapping. At 20/1, she looks worth chancing each-way with four places available against some much more exposed rivals who do not set a wonderful standard.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
14:44 Kelso – BALLYFORT (5/2 Generally)
19:30 Southwell- JANORA (20/1 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 8:57pm Friday 23rd October
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
