14:40 Huntingdon
This is a two mile novices' handicap chase that has a few potentially quite smart chasers in the field.
Notnowsam for Dan Skelton was second last time out at Wetherby over just shy of two miles and as he gets a weight allowance for still being only a four year old, he is surely one that will play a part. He has been raised 12 pounds for that second place as it was in a Class 3 but a rating of 124 still appears reasonable, therefore as long as he copes with the softer conditions, he has definite place claims.
Balgarry for David Pipe is at the top of the handicap and he hasn't run since falling early on at Cheltenham in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle. Two miles maybe on the short side for him however and as this is his chasing debut, his jumping will need to be spot on to ensure he doesn't get outpaced and left behind.
Sleepy Haven has a career high mark of 142 over hurdles and also ran in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham this year where he finished well down the field. Two subsequent runs at Aintree and Haydock finished in a similar fashion. He drops back down in class for his chasing bow and two miles appears to be suited to him. If he gets his jumping right he could prove a big danger here today.
Go West Young Man was consistent over hurdles last year without actually getting his nose in front and then unseated his rider when stepped up in class at Aintree on his last run of the season. He has been given a chase rating of 125 which in my opinion is a little on the high side, therefore he will need to get everything right to figure at the business end of proceedings.
Rock N Rhythm runs for the Jonjo O'Neill and Richard Johnson combination and he won his final two hurdle races last year with both being over this trip. Both of those wins were extremely facile and his rating of 134 looks like it has given the son of Rock Of Gibraltar plenty to work with. Two miles seems ideal for him at the moment as he found two miles and three furlongs a bit of a stretch the one time he tried it last season. As he is just a five yer old there is plenty of time to get the extra distance but regarding today's race think he is an excellent bet. I think Richard Johnson will keep him handy throughout and may even make the running if there isn't much pace. I then expect him to have too much speed at the finish for the field he is facing today.
Today's Selection
14:40 Huntingdon - Rock N Rhythm - 1 point @ 9/2 (Bet365, Betfred, Ladbrokes)