BEST of the BETS

This is often a good novice hurdle, Paul Nicholls has dominated this in recent years having won 10 of the last 15 runnings, including with Denman in 2005. 6 other winners of this have gone on to achieve a rating of 140+. This year’s race has been split into two divisions and doesn’t look up to its usual standard especially with most of runners returning from a break, to me this looks weaker of the two divisions but let’s see.

ELECTRON BLEU already has a rating of 122 and ran good 2nd behind The Wolf (now rated 135) at Newcastle in January, admittedly he was receiving weight from the winner. He again finished 2nd back in handicap company next time. I believe if he runs to his rating, then he has a good chance of being competitive in this as he is already proven that he stays this far. Fitness has to be taken on trust, but it’s the same for most of his rivals too. I have little stamina doubts about both Jeremy Pass & Paris Dixie, and this is 2nd run back after a lengthy absence for PD, not saying she can’t win but I am happy to oppose her at these odds. Big danger in my opinion is Sizable Sam, who went very close on his debut here last year before winning next time, he looks sure to be suited by the stamina test.

At big prices, I will be watching Cafe Pushkin (33/1) to see how he runs as it’s always interesting when NTD sends them straight into hurdle races. Not expecting anything as 15 of the last 16 winners of this have been priced no bigger than 15/2, but I think he could run better than his price. Has a nice pedigree, dam’s half sister placed at Graded level over fences in France, and he is related to other chasing winners.

Small bet on Electron Bleu @ 11/2

Good luck.