Highway’s on the fast lane to success
GORDON’S ACE HURDLER COULD BE STREETS AHEAD
THE jumps season traditionally steps up a gear at today’s Chepstow meeting and there are plenty of decent races to get stuck into.
HIGHWAY ONE O TWO (1.50) didn’t take to fences last season but he signed off with a sound hurdles effort behind smart Millers Bank at Newbury in March.
If you go back to his Grade 2 Dovecote victory at Kempton in 2020, when Buzz was among those in behind, he would have a great chance.
With trainer Chris Gordon (right) in decent form, he is worth chancing at 12-1. Have 1pt each-way with Sky Bet among those paying out on four places.
CAP DU NORD (2.25) has a fine record on left-hand chase tracks. He ran excellent races when fifth in hot handicaps at Kempton and Sandown last season but he’s much better going this way round. Have 1pt each-way at 8-1.
There was once a time when DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO (3.30) looked destined for the top. Things have not gone to plan for Nick Gifford’s hurdler but he did win on the Flat in the summer.
If he’s over his problems he should go well as he is at his best on good ground when there’s a decent pace to aim at.
Have 1pt each-way at 20-1 with most bookies paying out on five places.
Fergal O’Brien has been banging in the winners over jumps and he looks to have a chance of hitting the target at York’s Flat meeting with GUMBALL (4.25).
He makes his debut for the Cotswolds trainer and he could well get an easy time out in front.
Have 3pts to win at 5-1.
The Cesarewitch is the big betting race at Newmarket.
I like the chances of Scaramanga and Calling The Wind but, with
Willie Mullins having six of the 33 runners as he goes for his fourth straight win in the race, it’s a hugely competitive contest.
Earlier on the card, the Donnacha O’Brien-trained UNCONQUERABLE (1.45) should love the step up to 1m2f in the Zetland Stakes. He was staying on in the closing stages when third in the Royal Lodge last month and looks to have plenty of stamina.
Have 2pts to win at