Wincanton Saturday Tips and Preview by Dave Stevos
Wincanton Saturday PREVIEW itv4 live races
The Melbourne Cup didn’t go to plan for our selection Mustajeer. I am not sure what Damien Oliver was thinking when he made a massive move around the outside around 4f out. He ended up widest of all turning in and it was no surprise that he faded badly in the closing stages after having such a wide trip. It wasn’t Oliver’s finest moment to say the least. With Doncaster cancelled due to the rain the focus is on Wincanton tomorrow. ITV4 will show four races live, check out Dave Stevos’ Wincanton Saturday tips below…
Wincanton Saturday Tips: 1.50pm Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
A field of 15 mares will go to post for this 21.5f class 2 handicap hurdle. It looks wide open and the one I like at a decent price is Outofthisworld. Harry Fry trains this daughter of Shantou, a full sister to Angel’s Breath. Nice ground appears to be the key to her as she has yet to taste defeat when completing on good ground. She won her bumper by 11L at Market Rasen (16f gd) and her maiden hurdle win came at the same track by 8L (20.5f gd).
The form of her hurdle win suggests a mark of 122 should be well within her compass. She had Anne Mc 8L behind off level weights and that mare has won 2 handicaps since off 118 and 127 and is now rated 140. Sean Bowen takes over in the plate so she won’t lack for assistance from the saddle. Harry Fry has his string in decent shape and hopefully the rain stays away. If Outofthisworld is fit and ready to rock, she could outrun her odds of 16/1.
WINCANTON TIPS: OUTOFTHISWORLD E/W @ 16/1
Wincanton Preview: 2.25pm – Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
Only six line up at the start for this 20f Grade 2 Novices’ Chase and Reserve Tank is the hot favourite. This 5yo son of Jeremy was high class over hurdles, winning a pair of Grade 1s in the Spring. His Aintree win over Brewin’upastorm (20f gd) is by far the best form on offer here. He made a satisfactory chase debut at Chepstow considering it was plenty soft enough for him. A mistake at the last cost him all chance of a win and connections will be hoping for compensation back on a sounder surface.
If he fluffs his lines, Garo De Juilley could be the one to take advantage. This Grade 3 handicap hurdle winner was rated as high as 140 over timber. He ran a blinder on just his 2nd chase start on unsuitably heavy ground at Cheltenham last time (20f). Garo de Juilley chased home Slate House and while he was 11L behind, it was a fine run on ground he dislikes. He has had three previous runs at Wincanton, finishing a close 2nd twice. Paddy Brennan gets on well with this son of Ungaro and Sophie Leech has probably had this race in mind for a while. At odds of 20/1 Garo de Juilley is the each way selection.
WINCANTON SATURDAY TIPS: GARO DE JUILLEY E/W @ 20/1 NB
Wincanton Saturday Tips: 3.00pm – Elite Hurdle (Grade 2)
This 15.5f Grade 2 Hurdle has attracted a field of six horses and Fusil Raffles is a very short price. He ran out an impressive winner of a Grade 1 at Punchestown on his final start of last season. Nicky Henderson’s charge likes good ground and he gets 3lb from his main rival on paper Grand Sancy. Paul Nicholls’ inmate fell last time but he was beaten at the time. He does like it at Wincanton though and he beat Sceau Royal here back in February.
Beat The Judge is next best in the market and he has 9L to find with Fusil Raffles on their meeting at Kempton. Christopher Wood is a horse with obvious potential but he has had a wind op and it is also his seasonal return so he is best watched. Brandon Castle flopped on his last two runs of last season but he is better than that. Richard Johnson rides and in this small field he should ensure it is run at a proper pace. If he gets loose on the front it could get interesting and in this small field that is a real possibility. He has lots to find on the figures but if this gets tactical he could surprise with a big run. At odds of 12/1 Brandon Castle is worth chancing each way for small stakes.
WINCANTON SATURDAY TIPS: BRANDON CASTLE E/W @ 12/1
Wincanton Tips: 3.35pm – Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Listed)
The feature on Saturday at Wincanton is the Silver Trophy Chase. This 25f Listed contest will be contested by 14 horses and a case can be made for plenty. The one I am keen on here is Soupy Soups for Neil Mulholland and Adrian Heskin. Mulholland also runs The Young Master, who is a shorter price. However, Soupy Soups is a fascinating contender back up in trip after a nice run over 21f last time at Fontwell.
This son of Stowaway likes decent ground and he should his ideal conditions today. His penultimate start at Perth was a career best (24f gd/sft), winning by 8L off 122. He has to prove himself off his new rating of 134 but he is only an 8yo and more improvement is a distinct possibility. His only previous visit to Wincanton resulted in a win over hurdles and Heskin is 3/9 for Mulholland. At odds of 16/1 Soupy Soups is the each way NAP of the day.
