Regulars will know I tipped The Hollow Ginge in the Welsh National. He was in the process of running a good race, just beginning to make ground, when unseating at the 13th. Prior to this he’d run a good race in a first time visor when 4th in the old Hennessy – The Ladbrokes Trophy.
He’s visored again for this, the Classic Chase (3.00 Warwick), and while two unseats in the last three runs is a hard formline to pin a selection to at Warwick, one of the trickiest fencing tracks in the country, his jumping technique is all right. He doesn’t get that high, but is generally safe, and there are efficiency benefits to that style.
Jamie Bargary rode him in both unseats; Sam Twiston-Davies is back on board, and he has always completed on him (touch wood). Other than the Newbury run and the encouragement before Bargary departed at Chepstow, it’s difficult to make a strong form case, especially at extreme staying trips, which are new to him.
But at around 12/1 to 5 places, I’m happy to back him EW to get Chepstow losses back.
Another for whom no real form chance can be put up is Keeper Hill in the 2.40 Market Rasen, but he’s another who regularly catches my eye. He’s been chasing mostly in recent runs, and in top company. His last 4 runs have been at 3m or farther, whereas his best ratings have come at short of 3m. It’s 2m7f here on a flat, easy track. He goes right handed fine (joint top Racing Post Rating is at Kempton, though over fences) and won’t be fazed by soft ground.
I believe he’ll win a race before the season’s out, and I’m hoping it’s this one.
Hills are currently (Friday evening) best price Keeper Hill at 11/1, and they offer 5 places about The Hollow Ginge at 12/1.
I’ll have a small win bet on Keeper Hill, and an EW bet with Hills on The Hollow Ginge, and will back both in an EW double.
Good luck.
Go easy on our stakes. These are fun bets.
Joe
Steeplechasing 