15:05 Wincanton
This is a very open looking handicap hurdle with all eight runners appearing to have a chance on first glance. It is sure to go to a mud lover however as the conditions are going to be plenty tough enough.
Paul Nicholls has a strong hand at Wincanton today and Baoulet Delaroque may well be the pick of them. He is only a five year old with just the two starts in the UK to date, however he did very well to win last time out at Doncaster in pretty tough conditions and his opening mark of 124 looks workable. That win was over today's trip so I expect Sam Twiston-Davies to give him a positive ride and he should be there at the finish.
Sir Ivan has been running in some good races and was a very good third in a Class 2 handicap hurdle here at Wincanton last time out. That was over two furlongs further than today's trip and he was really struggling towards the end of the race, therefore the step back down in trip looks sure to suit and I think he could be a big player here. He has run plenty of time on soft going but is yet to encounter anything as heavy as today, so it is a slight unknown about the conditions.
Dolores Delightful runs for Nick Williams and has the excellent booking of Richard Johnson on board. She has won around here before in heavy going however that was over an extra three furlongs. She has been chasing on her last three starts and was pulled up at Exeter last time out. Connections have decided to go back to hurdling and I'm doubtful whether she will be good enough to make the switch back and beat this competitive field.
The Geegeez Geegee is trained by Antony Honeyball and comes into this off a really light weight, he also has David Noonan taking a further five pounds off to aid his cause. This is a step up from anything he has done so far but the conditions and trip will suit so I think he can go close at a really nice price.
Today's Selections
Wincanton 15:05 - The Geegeez Geegee - 1 point each way @ 7/1 (Bet365, Betvictor)