Sunday 9th February 2025
1.50 Chepstow: Fitzdares Telephone & Text Betting “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle: The first of four selections for me on Sunday comes within the 1.50 at Chepstow and this is a Class 4 maiden hurdle over two miles and three and a half furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Shade Of Winter here for Evan Williams and Adam Wedge. All three of his runs to date under rules have come at this track, and he progressed from his hurdling debut where finishing a nine-length third to finish a two-length second of eleven back in December. If he’s to naturally progress again from that run he should be tough to beat here. Shade Of Winter – 5/4 (Win) (NAP)
2.40 Navan: William Hill Top Price Guarantee Boyne Hurdle: My second selection of the day comes from Navan and in the 2.40 which is the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle contested over two miles and six furlongs. I think that this year’s renewal of the Grade 2 affair can go to Thedevilscoachman for Noel Meade and Mark Walsh. He’s already tasted success in this contest, winning it back in 2022. He made a very encouraging start to his campaign this term when finishing second in the Galmoy Hurdle last month and just a quarter behind Rocky’s Diamond. A repeat of that run could be enough against today’s opposition. Thedevilscoachman – 15/8 (Win) (NB)
2.50 Chepstow: Text Fitzdares On 07492 882213 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: It’s back over to Chepstow for selection number three and the 2.50 which is a Class 3 novice handicap chase that’s ridden over two miles and three and a half furlongs. I’m with Hurricane Highway here who’s another runner for the team of Evan Williams and Adam Wedge. He was a winner over hurdles and has generally been consistent over fences without winning. He was second of nine on his seasonal reappearance at Ffos Las back in December and he’ll contest this off the same mark, and today’s drop back down in trip could also suit. Hurricane Highway – 7/2 (Win)
3.33 Exeter: Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle: My fourth and final selection comes from Exeter and within the 3.33 which is a Class 2 handicap hurdle over two miles and seven furlongs and this is a Pertemps Qualifier. I’m siding with Strackan here for Henry Daly and David Bass. He comes into the race in fine form having won his last three outings with his latest success being a two-and-a-quarter-length victory in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. He kept finding that day and a six-pound rise here might not be enough to halt his current rate of progression. Strackan – 9/2 (Each-Way)
