Jumps Racing - Friday 18th May 2012

[Edberg]

5.55 Aintree SLEEPING CITY 2pts to win @ 7/2 bog (Bet365) Sleeping City finished 5th of 15 and 4th of 17 on his first two outs (two good quality bumpers in April and November 2011) and made a pleasing debut over hurdles last at Kempton (2m, good) when second 6L behind Darlan (now rated 151) with the 3rd 23L behind him. That day the Victor Dartnall-trained gelding was no match for the winner but he was still travelling well approaching the second last and was done just for speed thereafter but still kept on well and his trainer was very pleased with that run, stating afterwards that the better ground suited his gelding. It took long 4 months to see him back on track (mainly for the ground) but he did come back in very good style at Newton Abbot 2 months ago (2m1f, good) when fell at the last after he had take the lead 2 out and was nicely kicking for home with the 4/5 favourite of that race (who won in the end) Swing Bowler who looked well beaten at that stage. Swing Bowler is a 123-rated 5yo trained by David Pipe who is still unbeaten (2 wins in bumpers and a win in a maiden hurdle before that success at Newton Abbot) and the second of that race, well beaten by Swing Bowler, was Battlecat who finished second 5 days ago at Plumpton and is rated 119. Of course that was a nasty fall and we have to hope his confidence hasn't gone but Dartnall gave him a couple of months to recover and if back to his best he stands a big chance here. The main danger is of course the current market leader One Term who represents the duo Rebecca Curtis/AP McCoy that operates at a fantastic strike rate. Still this former Listed bumper winner won only at his 4th attempt over hurdles, last time out at Ludlow in a poor race (6/5 faovurite) and has to give 6lb to my selection.

[Falbrav]

Re: Jumps Racing - Friday 18th May 2012 SILVER STORY 7.40 Aintree. 1 point win. I liked the way he won last time, and although this is very slightly further than is ideal, I still think another win is on the cards. In form and jumps well, so with having the ability to give the best of these a run for their money, he should go close. 6/1 William Hill BOG