3:15 – Roger Pol
A dual bumper winner, the first of those (which came on his rules/seasonal debut) has worked out quite well; the second won on his hurdling debut next time out and is now rated 120, while the third, Cuthbert Dibble, made up into a very useful novice hurdler last season and is a horse I have high hopes for. The fourth went on to win two of his next three starts in bumpers.
A couple of solid efforts in defeat followed before a victory on his final start of the season, beating a horse thought worthy of lining up in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree.
A full brother to Minella Crooner, he’s a half-brother to two other winners, which includes Adrrastos, who Jamie Snowden had plenty of success with. He jumped well when second in his P2P and Jamie reported that he “jumps like a bunny”. As a smaller type, he could be easier to get fitter for a run first time out.
Jamie won this race last season with Sea The Clouds and, generally, his novice hurdlers in the early part of the season have run well in recent campaigns. In September/October/November of 2021 & 2022, his record with runners on hurdling debut reads: 56236211621141 – 5 wins & 4 placed from 15 runners (A/E 1.68).
With the Murphy & Skelton yard well represented, I feel there’s value in Roger Pol’s price. I expect him to be ridden handily, as he often was in bumpers and it’d put his experience and good attitude to best effect.
3:45 – Bells of Peterboro
A trappy race with some interesting types.
I pondered over this race for a while but eventually came down on Bells of Peterboro who has a few things in his favour.
Sent off the 85/40 favourite for this race last year on just his second chase start, he was a respectable second that day on ground that would’ve been quicker than ideal. With multiple pace angles here and with soft ground expected (which won’t benefit many in this race), this should present a stronger test of stamina this time around which will suit.
He’s also three-pounds lower now, despite running some good races over fences subsequently. A close 2nd to Tea For Free thereafter, the winner won again next time out and was sent off 3/1 for the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster, while the fourth also won shortly after. Tommie Beau was eleven-lengths behind Bells of Peterboro that day, yet Bells of Peteboro will reoppose on nine-pounds better terms here.
Admirably consistent (for all that he doesn’t win all that often), this will be just his fifth start over fences and a mark of 117 is well within his range given his exploits over hurdles. Tim Vaughan hasn’t run many recently, but with four runners on the card, they’re starting to emerge. He also has a solid 17% strike rate in handicap chases at Newton Abbot (profitable to back blind).
overandclear.com 