4:00 – Eclair Des Sablons 20/1 EW
I was going to swerve this card, but the price about Eclair Des Sablons tempted me in.
A point to point winner who’s only had six starts under rules, Eclair Des Sablons proved last season that he’s very capable when fresh. On his seasonal reappearance and handicap debut, he lost by a neck to subsequent Cheltenham Trials Day handicap winner, Back on the Lash. Also, the 5th and 6th placed runners won on their next starts.
In hindsight, his performance of 115 shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise; he improved with each start in novice hurdles, culminating in a narrow defeat to the now 138 rated Skandiburg (who gave EDS 6lbs). The 3rd place finisher, Slaine, won three of her next six starts and is now rated 120; she finished 1 length behind EDS (EDS was giving her 10lbs I total)
That performance came on good ground off a a mark of 115; those conditions are mirrored here.
Raised 5lbs for that run, EDS failed to progress as expected but it’s too soon to give up on this lightly races 6-year-old.
He looks a chaser in the making and given his point-to-point background, it won’t be long before he’s sent over fences; the one concern I’d have is that this might be a prep run for a future run over the larger obstacles.
But his price is large enough to justify a bet, given that conditions are in his favour and he’s proven when fresh.
Katy Price does have a better record with her chasers but Uttoxeter has been her most successful track to date; 5 winners and 7 places from 39 runners, resulting in a level stakes profit of £8 to a £1 stake.
He does like to go from the front which suits Uttoxeter, but Bannixtown Glory also has a history of front running. Regardless, there looks to be plenty in his favour and EDS is worth an each way bet in an open race.
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