PISTOL’S GOT ALL THE RIGHT AMMUNITION
GO gunning for the bookies with PISTOL WHIPPED (1.10) at Kempton.
He has his first run since March and that is no disadvantage at all as he has a good record when returning from a break.
His chase debut win at Leicester last season came on his first start of f the season and he was s far from disgraced in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase over today’s course and distance.
Having just turned seven years old he is open to a stack of improvement, especially as he tended to pull too hard for his own good in smaller fields.
Have 1pt on the Nicky Henderson (above) runner at 15-2.
The Ladbrokes Lanzarote Hurdle is a predictably competitive contest but SHANG TANG (3.30) looks the type to thrive in this sort of race. He moves through his races with plenty of class and, despite falling at the first last time out, he is a good jumper.
The way he brushed aside Southfield Harvest to land an Ascot novices’ hurdle in November was most impressive and his earlier Wetherby third is also sound form. Have 1pt each-way at 101 with William H Hill, who are paying out on five places.
His trainer E Emma Lavelle has he her team in good form and another of her horses, THUNDERSTRUCK (1.30), looks worth backing at Wincanton.
He had some good novice hurdle form last season behind the likes of Enrilo and King Roland and he had valid excuses for his below-par runs.
The switch to fences did not work out last time but the handicapper has dropped him to a really tasty weight for his return to hurdling. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1 with firms paying four places.
The prospect of Chepstow’s rescheduled Coral Welsh National card going ahead looks much better than it did a few days ago.
Hopefully, it will pass an inspection today.
Springfield Fox should love the demands of the Chepstow marathon but he’s been well found in the betting and his inexperience of just three chase starts is not ideal.
Earlier on the card, FLASHJACK (12.50) is worth backing in the 3m handicap hurdle.
He stays really well and loves testing ground so he should be able to show his best form in this contest.
His comeback run behind Unowhatimeanharry at Aintree was respectable and he was probably turned out soon enough when down the field in a hot Haydock handicap behind Main Fact on his most recent start.
Have 1pt each-way at 14-1.