BUMPER GAMBLE AT HUNTINGDON: Shamrock has no Irish racing to preview today but his ear to the ground in England picks up strong vibes for a gamble in the bumper at Huntingdon.
Little fish are sweet. Top owners J P McManus and Terry Warner are trawling for minor prizes on a low-key card at Huntingdon today.
Colin ‘Cue Card’ Tizzard has had only four runners on the course – one winner – over the last four seasons but gets the satnav out today for three raiders, including Jackers (1.00) and Grand Vision (3.00) for Warner.
But my one ear to the ground in Dorset is picking up strong vibes for Tizzard’s third and final runner of the day, Mr Bingley (3.30), in the bumper.
I had targeted McManus’s Irish-bred, The Mad Robertson, expected to start shortish, but the market says my vibes are right: Mr Bingley, forecast 13-2, is the 3.15 front runner of the Betdaq exchanges as I write, marginally ahead of the paper favourite.
Jackers has to carry forward his hurdles form – three wins – to chasing today (blinkered for the debut). So, too, Ramses De Marcigny.
But both are better in than Cheney Manor, who was hit with a rating of 115 though he failed to win a hurdle and, claimed off immediately, he was beaten 11 lengths in his first chase at Ascot.
This looks easier, but Crystal Prince and Global Flyer have already won handicaps, albeit at a lower level, and their experience – 22lb apart on this card – could be vital. Crystal Prince looks let in.
There’s two ways of looking at Grand Vision: his 22-232 form figures brand the grey either a bridesmaid or Mr Consistency.
His form at Hereford in November suggests he is worthy of last-chance saloon, since the third horse then is now rated 20lb higher than he carries today.
It was 8.8 bar one this morning as Daq backers got stuck into Grand Vision. I fancy Weisentraum is better than the bare form; other than that, I can’t see this strong favourite being beaten.
SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Mr Bingley (3.30 Huntingdon)
NEXT BEST: Grand Vision (3.00 Huntingdon)
WIN AND PLACE: Wiesentraum (3.00 Huntingdon)
DAQ TRIO: Crystal Prince (1.00 Huntingdon), Grand Vision (3.00 Huntingdon), Mr Bingley (3.30 Huntingdon)
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