BBOTD Wednesday 28th

[cpo]

2.35 Leopardstown Noland 1pt win 10/1 Bet365 This to me looks a good opportunity for Noland to gain more grade 1 success. This obviously was not the original target for this horse as Nicholls has Denman entered for the race. With that horse retiring, Nicholls has chosen to supplement Noland for the race which to me says a lot. His record in the race is brilliant. From 3 runners he has had 2 winners and the other runner would have finished in the first 2 had he not fallen. There are plenty of stats against Noland in this race such as age and the fact he hasn't had a race for nearly a year. The winner if this race normally comes from the first few in the betting but I think there are reasons to take them on. Quito De La Roque is the obvious starting point as he is the favourite and has won 5 races on the bounce. He may well go on to win this but I don't think he has been truly tested yet. Most of his wins have come against Irish opposition and against novice chasers. I think this will be his toughest task to date and he looks worth taking on. Rubi Light looks the most likely danger to that one but there has to be a slight doubt about whether or not he will get the trip. I fully believe he will do and therefore rates one of the main dangers to my selection. He looks to be improving with every run. The other horse at the head of the betting is Joncol who Rubi Light beat last time out. Joncol was finishing well in that race and may get closer over this longer trip but his trainer has already voiced concerns on this possibly coming too soon for Joncol. If over his exertions from his last race then he looks a big danger as well. I think the winner will come from 1 of these 4 and hopefully it will be my selection. Sychronised I don't think will be good enough and Cooldine is not as good as he once was. He has been well beaten on both starts this season. Magnanimity has an absence to overcome and Follow The Plan was fortunate to win last time out. I do however think Noland has a great chance. Nicholls would not supplement the horse if he did not think he could win. He has a great record fresh and is unbeaten when travelling over to Ireland. Those wins coming in grade 3 and grade 1 company. He proved his stamina last time out at Newbury where he got the better of What a Friend and he handles any ground. Ruby Walsh takes the ride which is a massive positive and he looks a cracking each way bet.

[chris34]

Re: BBOTD Wednesday 28th 5.50 Wolverhampton Interesting handicap with plenty of recent form to go on. La Estrella is better known for his exploits at Southwell but makes another rare appearance on polytrack after a decent run back in a handicap over 2miles at Kempton last time out but probably not the best handicapped on the polytrack. Admirable Duque was an impressive winner last time out but got rather an easy time of things turning in and an 8lb rise looks excessive and also not always convinced over this longer trip. Sand Skier has been consistent recently but has continually found 1 or 2 too good and creeping back up the weights and needs to prove stamina for this trip. Zamina hasnt been beaten far in small field staying events but is another that has to prove stamina in a stronger looking field. Appeal improved dramatically for the switch to handicaps and step up in trip, further step up in trip today is sure to bring more improvement, was made to work a little hard next time out off same mark but ultimately won well enough and a 7lb rise isnt excessive but unusual for a Prescott handicap job has had 40days off the track which suggest there has been a problem and any weakness Priceless Art may well be able to pick up the pieces. He made into a useful hurdler but had previously been a very useful bumper horse winning 4 NHF including 2 on the fibresand, made amends for first disappointment in a flat maiden last time out when ridden more agressively and making use of his stamina over 1m3f and should relish this step up to 2miles off a handicap mark of 75 could prove well treated having been given a rating of 115 over hurdles and comfortably held Nibani last time out who ran upto his mark again next time out of 72. 1pt win Priceless Art 4/1 pp