3:05 – Bardenstown Lad 9/2
4:50 – Defuture is Bright 7/1 E/W
Bardenstown Lad
John McConnell has enjoyed some decent success at this meeting in recent years, with two of his six runners winning with a further one hitting the frame.
He also won this race last year with Streets of Doyen and he looks to have a good chance here with Bardenstown Lad.
A real galloping type, he’s won two of his three starts over hurdles (also a point/bumper winner) with his only defeat coming last time out in a race that placed a greater emphasis on speed which certainly didn’t suit. The winner, Tullybeg, is currently the favourite for the Pertemps Qualifier on Saturday from a mark of 140 while the fourth is also well fancied for the same race. So while he might have something to find on official ratings, a case can be made for him having the best form in the race and he’s race-fit unlike many of his rivals.
This race should be an ideal test and he could be a similar type to Streets of Doyen in that he’ll be given a break after this before returning in the spring with the festival in mind.
Defuture Is Bright
It wouldn’t surprise me if this race has been the target for some time.
He was a progressive type over fences last season and we was very well backed when winning on his second start last term. His reappearance behind Bravemansgame was likely just a pipe opener with a return to handicapping in mind.
He ended last season well and perhaps should have won at Haydock in class 2 company having coasted to the front in the manner of a well handicapped horse before being mugged late on.
Rob James is an eye catching jockey booking and is excellent value for his claim, and he has experience of landing big handicap chases at Cheltenham (albeit his 2020 Kim Muir win came on the new course).
Still lightly raced, I think there’s still more to come from this horse and with the cheekpieces being reapplied having been left off last time out, he looks primed for a big run.
overandclear.com 