Lexus Chase
I was very impressed with
Flemenstar
last time, a top class racehorse. But at 3 miles on stamina sapping going, with other pace setters in there – at 6/4 I am opposing him. 32% 85/40
Sir Des Champs
was outpaced by Flemenstar at 2 1/2 miles, looked like being beaten out of sight at one point but stayed on. 3 miles should suit him a lot more than Flemenstar. At around 11/4 is worthy of at least a saver.
30% 9/4
Don’t shoot me! I’ve backed an 11 year old Timeform squiggle horse.
Tidal Bay
hasn’t done anything wrong this season and from what connections are saying is a happier, better horse this term. Certainly looked that way in the Hennessey. Comes out the best horse at the weights there, better than the Gold Cup favourite. If you told me a year ago I would be backing Tidal Bay to win any race, let alone a Grade 1, I’d have laughed my head off. However, this race may be run to suit.
20% 4/1
Hennessey 4th
First Lieutenent
is the other main bet. It may look to some as if he was outstayed at Newbury; but as I said after the race, he’d done best of those up with a fast pace there. So may be better than finishing positions indicate. If the prominent runners don’t (once again) go off too quickly – could surprise some people. 20-something/1 on betfair is too big to ignore.
7% 13/1
My other saver is Joe’s tip
China Rock
, taken 59/1. First time tongue tie worked the oracle on his final start last season in the Punchestown Gold Cup on similar ground to this. If fit for his reappearance could run far better than his odds indicate. One thing that stopped me from making him a main bet was the fact he may need to race prominently.
3% 33/1
Hidden Cyclone
is improving but needs to find a good deal more to win this. Not proven at this trip either. Prolific winner, but well placed up to now. Even current betfair price of 14/1 doesn’t look generous to me. 4% 25/1
Pandorama
is a good horse at his best, but has been off so long it’s difficult to know what ability he still posesses and if he can show it tomorrow. 1.5% 66/1
Quito De La Roque
didn’t run well at Aintree and even though should be suited by conditions and how the race is run – it’s difficult to see him good enough to actually win. 2% 50/1
Midnight Chase
is a marvelous racehorse, I hope he’s seen in the Grand National this year, that’s his race. Not up to this and may be taken on up front. 0.5% 200/1