Friday 16th February 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Feature Meeting: Kelso
Prices correct as of: 15/02 18:30
1.55: Full Circle Series At Punchestown Festival Handicap Hurdle: I’m kicking things off on Friday with the 1.55 at Kelso which is a handicap hurdle over two miles and six and a half furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Eloi Du Puy here who’s a 13/2 chance currently for Neil Alexander and Bruce Lynn who takes off three pounds. He was staying on last time out at Sandown last month before being brought down, and before that, he’d won three on the spin. His mark still looks manageable and he could well go close again. Eloi Du Puy – 13/2 (Each-Way)
2.25: Johnston Smillie Novices’ Hurdle: Next up it’s the 2.25 which is a novice hurdle that’s contested over two miles. I think that Tedtwo can post a big effort here for the team of Ben Haslam and Richie McLernon. He won on his hurdling debut and ran a very encouraging race last time out at Wetherby in January, when just shy of two lengths behind the progressive Asta La Pasta, and if he builds on that run here he should prove to be a very significant player. Tedtwo – 9/4 (Win)
2.55: Church House Investment Management Handicap Hurdle: My third selection of the afternoon comes in the 2.55 which is a handicap hurdle over two miles. I’m with the Stuart Crawford trained Carnfunnock here who’s set to be ridden by Daryl Jacob. He’s been contesting some competitive contests recently, and whilst not really threatening he hasn’t been disgracing himself. I think a drop back down to two miles should see him to best effect having won over this trip previously, and this a slight ease in grade for him. Carnfunnock – 5/2 (Win) (NAP)
3.25: Racing’s Best Ratings With Timeform Handicap Chase: Signing me off on Friday will be the 3.25 which is a handicap chase set to be ridden over two miles and five and a half furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Empire Steel here for the Sandy Thomson yard who’s the mount of Ryan Mania. He’s an admirable campaigner having contested some extremely hot races throughout his career, including his most recent outing which came in the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day, where he finished second of six. He travelled well enough that day, looking like he was coming into contention before being outstayed by Fontaine Collagnes, so this drop-down in trip could be welcomed, he’s also on a one-pound lower mark. Empire Steel – 7/4 (Win)
NAP Watch:
15/02: Victoria Milano (11/8) – (Won)
14/02: Time To Dazzle (9/4) – (Won)
11/02: Galia Des Liteaux (5/4) – (Unplaced)
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