It’s difficult to be confident about any bet (although I think Defi Du Seuil will win on Thursday and he’s my nap of the meeting) and I offer these as my perception of value without an excited commitment to their chances
1.30
If I were going to commit to one with any degree of confidence on Wednesday it would be Battleoverdoyen (imaginatively named by Doyen out of Battle Over). This would be purely on his fine looks and the style of his last win where, despite looking green and a touch awkward, you could tell he was simply different class. He could go to the top over fences eventually.
Small savers on Bright Forecast and Beakstown, both of whom have shown they have much more to come with experience might be worthwhile.
2.10
I like Topofthegame a lot, not least for his valiant effort last time against the super mare La Bague Au Roi. He ought to come on a lot for the stiffer test and simply through more racing. He’s a huge horse and my only reservation would be based on his size; big horses can be more prone to bursting blood vessels, and sometimes need three or four outings to get confident in their jumping. With a clear round and sound lungs I think he’s the one to beat.
2.50
Not a race I’d normally anticipate with any confidence of a profit, but the two who catch my eye are Apple’s Shakira, who loves this ground, and a horse I’ve been watching all season, Vision Des Flos. He’s talented but not straightforward, has done most of his racing in small fields, attacking relatively far out when what I believe he might well need is the hurly burly of a big field like this and holding up late.
I’ll back both.
4.10
Finally, I make Ultragold a tentative bet in the Cross Country. He’s a fair way clear on Topspeed figures and very much enjoys the Grand National fences, some of which are similar to these.
In summary:
1.30
Battleoverdoyen
Bright Forecast
Beakstown
2.10
Topofthegame
2.50
Vision Des Flos
Apple’s Shakira
4.10
Ultragold
I’ll back them all single and mix them in EW multiples. It’s worth remembering Skybet’s remarkable offer of returning your money as cash up tp £20 of you back a loser in race 1 each day. Also Betway offer money back as a free bet up to £10 in the first and last each day. And Paddy Power will return your stake as a free bet if your selection is 2nd, 3rd or 4th – this applies to every race.
Use oddschecker.com for the best prices.
Good luck
Joe
Steeplechasing 