Jump Racing; Wednesday 21st March

[Lars]

Although form figures of F0FF7 are hardly signals of a betting opportunity, STARS DU GRANITS (14:40) should outrun his price-tag significantly I think today, now he’s had a confidence boosting race completion at Sandown 12 days ago. He was essentially schooled in public that day to get around and with a more positive ride, he’s handicapped to strike and I think could run really well. He’s fairly lightly-raced, having won and finished 2^nd in Juvenile events back in 2010, and was thought capable enough to run in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival in that year. That was off a mark of 135 and he wasn’t seen subsequently for quite a while, only reappearing in November of 2011. He fell that day when it was too early to tell how well he would have ran but he was obviously expected to come on for the effort fairly significantly, along with improvement for the switch to fences as he was well-backed on handicap debut over the bigger obstacles, but yet again falling quite early on. The plan of chasing was soon scrapped, and I really do think his last start at Sandown was fairly eye-catching. He was wide throughout the early part of the race, presumably so he could have a good look at the hurdles and he was then allowed to get behind. It was only when the field were 8 or 9 lengths in front that he was asked to catch up and even then, it was a relatively subdued attempt. It felt like they were just wanting him to get some confidence back up and in the main, he jumped really quite well and never really looked in danger of falling. This is quite a competitive heat, but now Stars Du Grantis has been dropped a further 5lbs, he looks quite well-handicapped off a mark of 122. Connections must think he’s a horse with a bit of ability to have persisted with him after the Fred Winter, his confidence should have improved after a clear round last time and the booking of Aidan Coleman is always a positive one for this yard. He should go well if given a more positive ride and Venetia Williams herself is starting to hit form, with her horses running well after a slow patch towards the end of February and I would give this a horse a chance at this price of 25/1. The cut in the ground at Haydock will suit, and more prominent tactics are quite likely I think here. If they’re employed, then he can easily cause a surprise today given how well-handicapped I think he might be if his jumping holds up again. Bets 14:40 Haydock – Stars Du Granits; 2pts @ 25/1 William Hill (bog)

[Aidymac]

Re: Jump Racing; Wednesday 21st March

*Timesawastin - Haydock 2:40* The form behind Big Easy last time out looks very strong, not only that but the Evan Williams stable is on fire at the moment. Was a close 2nd behind Big Easy last time out and was in turn 11 lengths clear of 3rd, it looked a very eye-catching run. Still unexposed, and although it has its quirks it is a talented horse. Should go very well here with the stable so hot. *1 Point WIN @ 4/1

Bet365 BOG*