Galway & Wexford & Aintree – Sunday 24th October

After such a good day on Friday, yesterday was a case of what might have been as the good runs of Coventry and Born Patriot could only yield place money rather than the full winnings. The defeat of Coventry was particularly sickening, as it would have been a lovely 11/1 winner and he only was foiled by a head on the line. However, there is no time to dwell as we are being treated to an absolute feast of National Hunt action today, and I have selections from Galway, Wexford and Aintree on a bumper Sunday. 

The 2.17 at Galway is the first race of the day that I will be focusing on, and it sees a competitive 2m6f handicap chase over the Galway Plate trip. Perhaps unwisely, I was a massive fan of Bois Des Clamart last year, and I’m still convinced then a mark of 123 would suggest. His beginners chase win was taking last season, before a catalogue of jumping mistakes held him back in better races. He has been given a long time to freshen up and he is good the first time out. His back form from bumpers and hurdles would indicate he has a great chance in this sort of race, and there have been nibbles of money around for him today. At a price of 13/2 with SkyBet, who offer 4 places, he is an each way bet. 

The 4.37 at Galway is another competitive handicap, but this time over 2m and on the hurdles course. Only 8 runners go to post on this occasion and I think this race is perfectly suited for Big King (NAP), who I think will have a good season ahead of him for Barry Connell. Having made his way through the novice ranks relatively quietly, Big King made a big impact in handicap hurdles last year and shot up the ratings. Some of his form looks strong at this point in time and the 2 miles on softer ground should be right up his street. He also has a good record fresh which adds to his case and I would be positive a mark of 121 is not the best we have seen of this horse yet. At a best price of 11/4 with Bet365, he is my best bet of the day.

Moving onto Wexford, where the 1.25 opening race on the card looks of great appeal. This 2m4f maiden hurdle should be a lot more suited to Chiricahua, who fell at the last on hurdling debut when looking to rally against his two rivals. Having been a very good horse on the flat, including getting to a rating of 95, he looked a stout stayer and 2 miles on good ground on his hurdles bow might always have been a bit sharp. This test should be more suitable, and he has won on soft ground on the level before, so the ground should not be a problem. At a best price of 5/2 with William Hill, he should be right in the thick of the action.

It feels remiss not to support horses that have been good to you in the past, and although sentiment should not play too much of a say, I can’t let the 3.10 at Wexford fly by without backing Dympnas Well, who may well have one more good run in her before being put away for a winter break. She has had a very pleasing summer for connections, winning twice and running some solid races in between those runs. Her two wins have made you feel she could go in again, but her run at Listowel last time was perhaps a little bit below par. Back at Wexford, which is where her trainer likes targeting, she might have a better chance. At 7/1 with Skybet, for 5 places each way, I make her a bet. 

And finally we head to Aintree for just one solitary selection, which comes in the Old Roan Handicap Chase at 3.00 – which is the feature race on the card. This race looks a fascinating renewal of this contest and a strong field of 8 have come to the party, which brings the even 3 places into play for each way punters. I think the angle into this race is through Itchy Feet, who has a lot of ability and if scrubbing up his indifferent jumping, would go very close in this contest. Despite a dreadful round of jumping last year, he came a close up third in this race before running some decent races at Ascot behind the likes of Dashel Drasher. Returning here, to a course he seems to appreciate, he should be able to go well. At a price of 7/1 with Ladbrokes, I’ll be backing him each way.