Racing Chat - Saturday 1st February

[The Brigadier]

ITV are showing 9 races including the Irish Gold Cup which to my eyes looks a cakewalk for the favourite Galopin Des Champs who holds the majority of the field on his impressive course and  distance Savills Chase win over Christmas. He's scant value but he surely wins this.

At Sandown the bets I like are SOLE SELECTION (1.25) who looked good last time out at Hereford having previously chased home the smart Sixmilebridge. I'm sure the ground will be pretty testing there on Saturday and that will suit Venetia Williams's handicap debutant.

I'm a big fan of Nicky Henderson's JANGO BAIE (2.35) and he'll be hard to beat in the Scilly Isles Novices Chase. I took 5/2 in the week (the Irish runners were never going to come over) so am in a good position there and hope he can get the job done today against two decent rivals in Handstands (who beat the pick over hurdles) and Kalif Du Berlais.

HENRI THE SECOND (3.07) is my fancy in the big 2M 7F handicap hurdle although I am a bit disappointed with the price. His latest victory over course and distance on similar ground has been boosted since by victories for the runner up and third (twice) and a 8lb rise look lenient. I do fear Red Dirt Road who's stepping up in distance but has won an Irish point-to-point (beating the useful Corbetts Cross over 3M) and will have a small saver on him.

At Musselburgh and I fancy AFADIL to score back to back victories in the 2.17, the Scottish County handicap Hurdle even though his latest run was a poor one. He's won at this meeting for the last two season's and is 4lb lower than when taking this a year ago. Freddie Gingell rode him that day and keeps the ride.

Good luck everyone whatever you're backing this weekend.

[black rabbit]

Good Time Jonny                                      2 25Lep                   1/40th of a pt ew     40/1        -N/R

Mark Of Gold                                             2 35San                   1/40th of a pt win    33/1

Goshen                                                       3 07San                    1/40th of a pt ew     33/1       -3RD

Crackerjacque                                           4 12San                    1/40th of a pt ew     16/1        -Won

Arizona Cardinal                                       2 50Mus                   1/40th of a pt ew     20/1

Norman Fletcher                                      2 17Mus                    1/40th of a pt ew    18/1

 

 

P/L  + 181.25pts

 

Edited February 1 by black rabbit