Tizzard’s raider can Kane rivals in Exeter clash
Killer Kane (2.30) can deliver a fatal blow to his rivals at Exeter.
Mr Fogpatches can go close at a nice price in Troytown at Navan
The six-year-old looks a good bet for the handicap chase in Devon after a decent first run of the campaign over a longer trip at Carlisle.
Colin Tizzard’s charge was firmly put in his place in Cumbria by two reasonable yardsticks but would have needed the run and should have come on for it.
More interesting is the fact Killer Kane drops back three furlongs to a distance that really suits him.
Tizzard’s horse was a winner over the track and trip at Exeter over hurdles and, provided he jumps fine, this is winnable.
The added bonus is that the trainer is in much better form this season with a recent strike rate of over 20 per cent.
OSCARS MOONSHINE (1.00) can take advantage of race fitness to win the novices’ chase.
Paul Nicholls’ charge was beaten by one of Tizzard’s on his return at Newbury but was hampered at a key stage.
Gosheven looks exciting for Philip Hobbs but Oscars Moonshine may just have the edge in this four-runner affair.
At Uttoxeter, THE KNOT IS TIED (1.40) is ready to run a big race for handler Neil King.
The six-year-old was knocked-up eight pounds for a win earlier in the season and wasn’t able to cope with it when last sighted.
However, this is a better opportunity and Bryony Frost is available to take the ride which may signal a switch to front-running tactics.
In the following race,
STORM OF LIGHT (2.10) can maintain the cracking form of Olly Murphy.
The trainer has his horses in superb nick and found only stablemate Tamar Bridge too strong at Wetherby last time.
Fair enough, you are not going to get rich backing one at around the even money mark but sometimes opposing one for the sake of it is pointless and Storm of Light should have enough to deal with his rivals.
Over in Ireland, it’s Troytown Chase day at Navan and the big race is an almost impossible puzzle to solve.
On paper it’s a cracking contest but there are two big issues when approaching the event. Firstly, Navan’s ground will never have been this quick for the Troytown due to the recent dry spell.
Secondly, you just know a fair chunk of the field is let’s just say running with an eye on future targets.
Gordon Elliott is the obvious place to start given the fact he has won four of the last seven runnings and has six of the 17 scheduled to start.
Farclas is the highest rated of the bunch and is certain to be in the thick of things.
It’s a pin job but one you know will be suited by the firmer underfoot conditions is our old pal MISTER FOGPATCHES (2.50).
The seven-year-old is proven over these trips having finished third in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr and won at the Punchestown Festival.
Two runs so far this season have been satisfactory and you are bound to get a run for your each-way money with many firms paying extra places. Shop around.