Horse Racing Betting Tips: First time looks the right time to catch O O Seven
THERE is a danger of sounding like a scratched record every week, but second guessing
trainers’ running plans for tomorrow ahead of this morning’s declaration stage isn’t easy.
The feature race on the Cheltenham card is the Grade Two Unibet International Hurdle (3.05pm) which had been earmarked as the target reappearance race for Willie Mullins’ Laurina.
However, Ireland’s Champion trainer stated yesterday that she was an unlikely runner because of the unseasonably quick ground which somewhat throws a spanner in the works.
From a betting perspective the race is now probably best watched, but it would be no surprise to see the likes Western Ryder or Silver Streak step up if allowed to take their chance.
Elsewhere, Bun Doran was an impressive winner at the November meeting and looks the one to beat in the two-mile handicap chase (1.20pm).
He won with any amount in hand that day but will have to step up again off a 10lbs higher mark. Instead, I’ll keep my powder relatively dry as my only real fancy at this stage is LE BREUIL in the Ryman Novices’ Chase (12.45pm).
He has had a busy time of things recently but comes here in great form and will relish the ground.
After winning impressively on his chasing debut at Huntingdon in November, he only just failed by a neck to beat Count Meribel over this trip at the November meeting.
The form of his gallant third to Santini at Newbury a fortnight ago could read very well in time on ground that would have been plenty soft enough and over a trip that would have stretched him.
Conditions will be much more in his favour tomorrow and there is no reason to think he cannot go very close at 11/2 with Paddy Power.
In fact, there is every chance Kim Bailey’s warm favourite Vinndication may not even be risked if the ground gets too quick, making those current odds even more attractive.
There is a good card up at Doncaster too with plenty of horses doubly entered at both meetings.
The best bet on the card looks to be Nicky Henderson’s O O SEVEN in the closing three mile handicap chase (3.20pm).
On paper, he looks to have a stiff task shouldering top weight of 11st 12lbs, but he is a class act on his day and has gone particularly well fresh in the past.
He has won first time out at this time of year for three of the last four seasons and was only beaten by the inadequate trip at Newbury 12 months ago when a gallant third.
With his stable in great form and Aidan Coleman booked to ride, he should take some beating and the 7/2 currently available looks worth snapping up.
The pick of the action at Doncaster is probably the Grade Two Summit Juvenile Hurdle (2.45pm) which is at the mercy of Paul Nicholls’ Quel Destin if the betting is to be believed.
He won nicely at Cheltenham last month and looks the one to beat on ground he is proven on.
However, I’ve a feeling that Cracker Factory, who chased him home last time, may give him more to think about back on a flat track.
He is available at double the price at around the 4/1 mark with my only reservation being the fact he also holds an entry at Cheltenham.
POINTERS TOMORROW
Le Breuil 12.45pm Cheltenham
O O Seven 3.20pm Doncaster