OUR racing man Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bets from Saturday’s action.
15:00 Warwick | ITV4
A two-mile five-furlong Grade 2 novice hurdle and this will take some getting on the soft ground. With questions over some of these regarding the ground, I’m going to back one who has form in the book on this surface.
Peregrine Run (3/1 Marathon) has been a revelation in Ireland so far, making giant strides and brings the best form in to this race.
He first came to attention as one of the horses in Peter Fahyes’ huge gamble and hasn’t stopped improving since. However, his form is on better ground and whether a slog here will suit him, I’m not sure.
Geordie Des Champs (3/1 BetVictor) has had seven starts to date and the only time he’s been out of the first two places was in the Champion Bumper.
He has form on soft and heavy and comes here with a huge chance. He ticks a lot of boxes here but I have a feeling others may progress past him here.
Gayebury (4/1 Bet365) takes a big step up in class here after a maiden win at Ffos Las but he looks a stamina-laden sort.
A winner of two of his three bumpers, he shaped nicely over hurdles and seems at home on the soft ground. He’s open to any amount of improvement and though he has plenty to find with the market leaders he may just handle the ground better than his rivals and he’s my selection.
15:35 Warwick | ITV4
The Betfred Classic is a real test and these experienced handicap chasers will be pushed to their limits on Saturday. A 20 runner line-up – it’s a guarantee that many fewer will finish.
Doctor Harper (9/1 Coral) went down narrowly in a handicap chase at Cheltenham last time out and that was a career best effort. He stays really well and will handle the ground but he isn’t the most reliable and, despite deserving respect, I’m not backing him.
Houblon Des Obeaux (11/1 William Hill) is a real stalwart and even off this big weight has to be feared. His performance in the Denman Chase last year was incredible and when everything clicks in to place he is a high class animal.
However, his best form comes in smaller fields and I think that this race may not suit him.
Sego Success (11/1 Paddy Power) was sent off favourite for this race last year but he fell early on and hasn’t been at his best since. He’s had two starts this season and should be fully fit now.
He stays really well, will handle the ground and is high on the shortlist. Alan King has added blinkers to him and that will help to focus him and they could be really important. He’s won at the track before and I’m backing him each-way on Saturday.
TOPICS Horse Racing Tips Other SportsBest Bets
15:00 Warwick – Gayebury (4/1 Bet365)
15:35 Warwick – Sego Success (11/1 each-way Paddy Power)
