We’re back for another crack at the placepot, and with three meetings on offer this afternoon, there was a lot of deliberation about where to head. Wolverhampton hosts a competitive eight-race extravaganza to kick-start the afternoon, alongside intriguing cards from Taunton and Towcester over the obstacles.
To maintain the National Hunt momentum as we propel rapidly towards the Grand National, we’re sticking to the jumps, and we head to Towcester for this afternoon’s placepot picks. At the time of writing there is at least eight runners in every race, so we can afford to make it into the first three to progress, and with interest at a premium, the dividend is likely to swell as we head towards the first race.
Leg One: Laurium
It is often worth trying to get the favourite beaten in placepot selections, as for every fav that misses the frame, the potential end pay-out often rises a fair amount. However, sometimes you can’t ignore the obvious, and that is why the well-thought-of Laurium gets the nod in the opener. Nicky Henderson’s charge ran out an impressive winner on debut before losing little in defeat behind the highly-rated Clean Sheet in a hot race at Newbury.
He wasn’t seen to best effect in a tactical affair at Fontwell last time out, but he still ran well when casing home the useful Remiluic. He is expected to continue his improvement and it shouldn’t take too much to make the frame against what appears to be, lesser opposition.
Leg Two: Blameitonalmyroots
There are plenty in with chances in an open looking leg two, but preference is for the improving Blameitonalmyroots, who seems to be coming on for every visit to the track. She is still light-raced, with only four trips to the racecourse, but after running well behind Meetmeatthemoon and Hel Tara, she defied a slight market drift to run out an impressive winner at Ludlow.
She showed great battling qualities and stuck her neck out all the way to the line, which could be needed again this afternoon. Oliver Sherwood seems to have his horses running well, and the five-year-old could go on to defy her mark of 122, which does look fairly generous given the improvement expected.
Leg Three: Royalracket
Royalracket boasts less than inspiring form figures, but the form of his visits to the track, all appear to be working out well. Paul Webber’s charge has kept good company, and the break of 279 days should be no worry as he seemed to put in a fairly decent performance behind Garde La Victoire after a lengthier break last season. He travelled well before weakening behind useful rivals, and a slower run race is sure to suit this afternoon.
He appeared to be improving towards the end of last season, and it is interesting that his trainer gives him his seasonal debut over the bigger obstacles as opposed to a pipe-opener over hurdles. This suggests he is in good order at home, and with the race looking extremely open, he looks sure to make a bold big at a surprisingly large price.
Leg Four: Dexter Benjamin
There appears to be plenty of exposed animals taking to post in leg four, so it could be worth chancing the lightly-raced Dexter Benjamin who unlike many others, still has plenty of scope for improvement. He was well-backed when going off favourite on debut, but he could only manage fourth behind Somerset Jem, before he ran as though something was amiss when pulled-up on his next start.
He weakened after travelling strongly behind Remiluc and Laurium last time out (could boost form earlier in the card) and his latest run is enough to inspire plenty of confidence. He travelled moer prominently before sticking on to the task when beaten, plugging on for fourth behind three very useful rivals. The six-year-old is sure to come on for the run, and although he is forced to carry the burden of top-weight, it might not be enough to stop him going extremely close. In his handicap debut.
Leg Five: Cosway Spirit
It is interesting to note that Cosway Spirit is already one of the best-backed horses of the day, and it may be wise to follow the money, as Ben Pauling’s charge looks set to have a major chance. He landed this race last year when similarly well-punted, and punters can take confidence in the fact that he arrives on the back of a fair effort at this track, when travelling strongly and battling gamely, before weakening after the second last.
He looks set to go from the front again this afternoon, and now that he has dropped favourably down the weights, he looks set to mount a strong challenge. He should give us a good run for our money and hopefully he can guide us through to the finale.
Leg Six: Fingerontheswitch
There is sure to be plenty of interest in the well-bred newcomer, Minstrel Royal, but there sis no guarantee on his race fitness, so although he looks sure to be an interesting type for the future, it could be worth enjoying a watching brief on his racecourse debut. This means the nod goes the way of impressive point-winner, Fingerontheswitch.
Neil Mulholland’s five-year-old arrives in good health and the booking of Tony McCoy is an eye-catching one. He is sure to be in with a chance, and hopefully the Champ can guide his mount into the frame and ensure we collect a tasty payday in the process!
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