BEST of the BETS

8TH DECEMBER | CHEPSTOW | AINTREE

Eight runners today, split equally between Chepstow & Aintree.

CHEPSTOW
12.20 - Kerisper made his seasonal debut at Perth back over fences in September finishing down the field over 2m 4f from a mark of 117. Steps up to 2m 7+f here but is 4lbs better off. He’s not had many runs and just three outings ago in September 16, was rated 127. Has to go well from today’s mark, Jamie Bargary rides.

12.55 - Ballyart has had a maiden and a novice hurdle outing for us, both in October, finishing 4th & 5th respectively. A former Irish point winner over 3m, he’s improving with experience and this sort of trip and ground (heavy) should suit. Each way prospects today, Jordan Nailor rides.

1.25 - Summit Like Herbie won his debut bumper at the start of the year and made his hurdles bow in October finishing mid-division of nine. Up in trip to 2m 3+f here should suit and his bumper win was on similar heavy ground. More to come, Jamie in the saddle. 2.30 - Ballycross goes in the Welsh National trial and looks to improve on last years 4th place. On 132 last year, he’s two pounds better off now and in promising form recently with a good 3rd place at Carlisle in November. Looks sure to be thereabouts and developing in to a good staying chaser. Jamie rides.

AINTREE
12.25 - Ballyhill won very nicely at Cheltenham over 2m 5f and a mark of 133 on New Year’s Day but a subsequent 5lb rise seemed to peg him back, though his latest run at Bangor three weeks ago saw him take the runners up slot back down to 132. In better form now, he can continue in that vein and with today’s 2m 4f and soft ground looking good for him, must have a very good chance. Sam Twiston-Davies rides.

1.30 - Blaklion and Ballyoptic both run in the Becher chase.

Blaklion won this last year by a good margin and loves it round here. Off of 5lb higher on 158 today but his course and distance experience puts him in with another good chance. Brought down here in the Grand National, then pulled up at Sandown in the bet365 Gold Cup back in April, he comes into this fresh and a good run expected. Sam rides.

Ballyoptic makes his seasonal debut and looks to continue where he left off last season. Only once out of the first four in seven outings, that included two wins and two runners up slots the last just going down by a nose in the Scottish National. He’s up 6lbs to 155 today, but also has a very good chance. Tom Bellamy rides.

3.15 - Crievehill was runner up on his seasonal debut at Uttoxeter in September, continuing his good form since going chasing of 2 wins, 4 seconds and a 3rd from nine outings. He’s gone from 127 to 146 today in that time, but a progressive sort, there is more to come and he has good each way prospects here. Sam in the saddle.