A 10/1 winner on Wednesday allied to winners at 11/2, 9/2, 9/2 and 4/1 so far in 2022 has led to a very healthy profit to begin the New Year.
Heavy ground forecast at Chepstow and Dame Du Soir (12.05) won the opening mares’ handicap hurdle from a 2lbs higher mark 12 months ago and she can follow up this afternoon with cheekpieces fitted for the first time.
The mare has been plying her trade over fences of late, but she is at least as adept over timber. At 5/1 with William Hill, she gets the each way vote although confidence is tempered by the fact that trainer David Bridgewater’s last four runners – three of which were strongly fancied – have failed to complete the course although Captain Tommy was in the process of running a good race when badly hampered and unseating Brendan Powell at Cheltenham ay New Year.
Please note since the time of writing the Bridgewater stable had a winner at Ffos Las on WEdnesday.
I hope it is a good day for the Bridgewater stable given Dom Of Mary (2.15) is taken to build on a promising British debut when fourth at Newbury on his hurdles debut last month having won his sole Bumper over today’s 2m 4f trip at Fairyhouse back in February. He was sold privately last month and will make a nice staying chaser in time – winner between the flags – but he can take this before going chasing later in the year. The recommendation is 6/4 with Wiliam Hill.
David Pipe’s Crossing Lines makes his debut under rules and has not been out since landing a point in his native Ireland over two years ago. A market move would be worth noting. The debutant Helios De Grugy is the first foal of an unraced half-sister to former champion chaser Sire De Grugy. He is another warrants respect and a check of the market.
Early Du Memo is well handicapped on his best form over fences, but he continues to take liabilities with his fences, and it was no surprise to see him coming down four out at Newbury last week although I’m not convinced he would have been involved at the finish.
Galop De Chasse (2.50) has been raised 7lbs for a fluent success at Lingfield last time and that is unlikely to prevent him following up for Venetia Williams whose string continue to run so well especially over the larger obstacles. That was the French import’s first start in Britain, and I do feel there are more races to be won with the 6-y-old and I do expect him to get further in time. The selection is 15/8 at 10Bet.
Can You Call was getting the worst of the argument when coming down two out at Hereford last time when he jumped left on ground that looked too quick. The forecast heavy ground and return to a left-hand track will suit and he, too, should be well up to defying his current mark over fences.
Helios Allen (3.20) had Garincha behind when third at Exeter last time and that firm has been franked by the wins of the first two and Garrincha who carries a 7lbs penalty for scoring at Wetherby on Boxing Day.
The selection – 5/2 with MansionBet – is 3lbs better off with Garincha for that Exeter run and jumped slightly pout to the left on that occasion. His previous start resulted in a comfortable C&D success, and he should appreciate a return to this afternoon’s conditions although he is not yet the finished article over his obstacles.
