Jump Racing - Thurs 10th Feb

[Lars]

15:30 Taunton Credit Swap is still likely to have a fair few lbs in hand than his official mark of 121. He’s due to go up another 2lbs in the future, and today looks an ideal opportunity to win on handicap debut over hurdles. Venetia Williams mount had a fantastic time of it last season on the flat, winning three times in a week, ending in a brilliant success in the Cambridgeshire Handicap for Michael Wigham. Sold out of that yard for 28,000gns and has had three outings over hurdles so far. On debut, he was easy to back but looked the winner some way out, showing a decent turn of foot and winning by almost 5 lengths, from a type rated 118 (who finished 2^nd in a hot Cheltenham handicap two weeks ago). He’s gone off favourite the past twice since that win and finished second on both occasions. His 2^nd hurdles run came here at Taunton, and ran a respectable race behind Shammick Boy, whose jockey gave him a fine ride and won very easily. Credit Swap ran creditably that day, and the form of that run was franked as well, with Shammick Boy following up under a penalty. The horse finishing 4^th in that race has gone on to place again, so the form looks really quite strong. Credit Swap’s last outing came at Bangor only last week. He stumbled in strange fashion when making his challenge, but might not have got to the eventual winner in the end. He was closing down fast in the closing stages, and it was a very good run, behind a horse who I think could be much better than his current rating suggested. Credit Swap’s leading rival in the market is Arrayan, but that one takes a huge step up in grade today, and could be vulnerable to a couple. He should run a good race but I think his mark is about right. Lidar could be up to a good race, as he’ll like the drop in trip, as well as Decoy, who showed promise two starts ago, and Tom Scudamore taking the ride is a positive. However, I believe that Credit Swap is still improving. The form of his races is rock solid, having bumped into a few promising types. He’ll appreciate the rain that is due to arrive, but acts perfectly well on “good ground” too. He likes to be kept on the go and gets exactly that today. Venetia Williams is in good form with her horses running well. The last 3 of 4 runners that have gone off a price under 4/1 have all won, the other coming second. She has a 24% record at the track, with a LSP of £20.80. Credit Swap is currently 100/30 which I think is a massive price as I had him as a 2/1 favourite. I think he’ll be fairly heavily backed, and I’m pretty hopeful of a victory here today. Credit Swap; 3pts Win @ 100/30 Paddy Power (bog)

[mileni4uk]

Re: Jump Racing - Thurs 10th Feb Taunton 2.00 Yourgolftravel Com 0.5pt EW - 22/1 VC Looked a non-trier lto and was never put in the race. With two old timers heading the market here, I won't be surprised if my selection improves and is thereabouts. Big weight, but at the price I think an EW try is worth it.