Racing
Wincanton Place 6 preview | 2nd February
13.30 – JenningsBet Witney Handicap Hurdle – 2m3f
Paul Nicholls’ FAME AND FUN made a winning handicap debut at Taunton and, although he has been hit with a six-pounds rise, he should be able to defy it with more to come. TORULA drops in grade for his handicap debut after showing promise in each of his three starts to date and, with his trainer going well, he should pose a threat in the opener.
Selections: FAME AND FUN, TORULA
14.00 – JenningsBet Christchurch Novices’ Hurdle – 1m7f
MATATA won on his hurdles debut and has finished runner-up in both starts since. He went very close five weeks ago and has strong claims of making the frame again here. SPARTAN ARMY won well on his hurdles debut at Wetherby and although he could only finish fifth in a Grade Two when last seen, this is much easier and he should be able to make an impact.
Selections: MATATA, SPARTAN ARMY
14.30 – JenningsBet Eastleigh Novices’ Handicap Chase – 1m7f
MIDNIGHT MIDGE won his first two starts for this stable and bounced back from a lesser effort when second over C&D last time. He drops in class off the exact same mark here and should make a bold bid. MONGOL EMPEROR is well-treated based on his hurdles form and could be competitive here if able to build on his latest third.
Selections: MIDNIGHT MIDGE, MONGOL EMPEROR
15.00 – Dick Hunt ‘Wigmore’ Handicap Chase – 3m1f
COPPERHEAD is a Grade Two winner over fences and although he has been below form for a while, his latest two runs over hurdles have offered revival encouragement. If first-time headgear has a positive effect, he could outclass these. GOLDEN SOVEREIGN returned from an absence to finish an excellent third on Boxing Day and this former C&D winner has to be respected.
Selections: COPPERHEAD, GOLDEN SOVEREIGN
15.35 – JenningsBet Newbury EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle – 2m5f
FAIRY GEM twice made the frame in Listed company in bumpers and while her hurdling career didn’t get off the best of starts, she took advantage of a drop in class when winning easily at Hereford last time. She has a penalty to contend with but that latest success might have been needed in order to fulfil her potential. She has place possibilities at the very least here.
Selections: FAIRY GEM
16.10 – Stewart Tory Memorial Open Hunters’ Chase – 3m1f
SHANTOU FLYER, a horse who has made the frame at the Cheltenham Festival on multiple occasions, is unbeaten for current stable and this once high-class handicapper has a great chance to extend his winning sequence. FAMOUS CLERMONT has done very well between the flags and can be seen as the biggest danger to the former in this.
Selections: SHANTOU FLYER, FAMOUS CLERMONT
