Wednesday 26th February 2025
3.05 Wincanton: Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle: Kicking things off for me on Wednesday will be the 3.05 at Wincanton and this is a Class 4 handicap hurdle over two miles and five and a half furlongs. I’m with The Blueberry One here for Harry Derham and Alice Stevens who takes off three pounds. He posted a fine effort on his handicap debut at Ffos Las last month when finishing second of eleven and two lengths behind the winner, keeping on well in the closing stages which suggests this extra furlong and a half should suit. He’ll effectively be contesting this off just a pound higher with the rider’s claim and I think he can post a bold bid. The Blueberry One – 11/2 (Each-Way)
4.55 Kempton: Unibet Support Safer Gambling Handicap: My second selection of the day on Wednesday comes within the 4.55 at Kempton and this is a Class 6 handicap on the all-weather over seven furlongs. I like Ballsgrove Boy in this for the team of Martin Dunne and Marco Ghiani. He’s knocked on the door on his last two outings since returning from a break, finishing a neck second of eleven at Southwell back in December before finishing three-quarters of a length second of eight at Wolverhampton last week. The step up to seven furlongs could suit given that there is further in his pedigree, and off the same mark as his Wolverhampton run he can be bang there again. Ballsgrove Boy – 7/2 (Win)
6.00 Kempton: Free Bet With Unibet’s Betbuilder Rebound Handicap: The third and final selection of the day also comes from Kempton and in the 6.00 which is a Class 4 handicap over seven furlongs. I’m with Batal Dubai in this particular affair for Jack Morland and Taryn Langley who takes off seven pounds. He returned to form last time out at Southwell earlier this month when finishing half of a length second of seven behind the in-form Many A Star, and he’ll effectively contest this off a six-pound lower mark with his rider taking off seven pounds. He should have more success in him at this level and it would be disappointing should he not follow up his recent effort there with another big run here. Batal Dubai – 5/1 (Each-Way)
