It was nice to return a small profit last week after a couple of poor weekends, with Pellitory hitting the frame having been nominated at 25/1. Hopefully some of you managed to get on at that price, as he ended up going off at less than half those odds.
It looks another tricky day and I have struggled to pin down any strong fancies. The ground is going to be very testing at Haydock, so I’d tread carefully if getting involved there, while the action on the Flat looks particularly tough. I was hoping Northern Express would run in the first at Ascot, as he looked to have a really solid each-way chance, but unfortunately he doesn’t line up. Instead, I’m going to turn my attention to the jumping action at Stratford. I do have a few suggestions, but none that I would consider particularly confident plays.
16:05 Stratford – AT THE OCHE (6/4 Generally)
AT THE OCHE has made an encouraging start since joining Dan Skelton and looks to have a good opportunity back over hurdles. Following wind surgery, he made a winning chase debut at Uttoxeter in July and there was plenty to like about his latest effort at Worcester too. Despite making a few mistakes, he was still in contention and looked likely to finish second before being brought down at the final fence, having been sent off a short-priced favourite.
He now returns to hurdles in good form and should appreciate the drop in class. His current mark looks workable based on what he has shown recently, while the decent ground and trip should both suit. He has already shown he can be competitive in stronger company than this and, with the Skelton yard going well, this looks a good opportunity for this Ocovango gelding to get back to winning ways.
17:15 Stratford – SAUCATS (17/2 Generally Each Way)
I’m going to take a chance and forgive SAUCATS his latest effort, where the eventual winner led throughout, was around 15 lengths clear for much of the contest and eventually won by eight. Saucats was the only horse to try and match him and ultimately paid the price for those efforts, fading badly to finish well beaten.
On the bare form of that run, he would have absolutely no chance here, but his previous form gives him a much better chance than his latest effort suggests. He won by four lengths at Newton Abbot in July off a 5lb lower mark before finishing second off his current mark next time, pulling over four lengths clear of the third. Callum Pritchard, who gets on well with him, is back in the saddle and the ground should be right up his street. The drop in trip around this sharp track should also suit, while there looks a good chance he can race prominently and make this a proper test, which could play to his strengths. If he can bounce back to his previous form, I think he can go well at a nice price.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
16:05 Stratford – AT THE OCHE (6/4 Generally)
17:15 Stratford – SAUCATS (17/2 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 9:15pm Friday 4th September
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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!
