Where my money is going tomorrow afternoon....

Friday, 6th November 2020

Where my money is going tomorrow afternoon….

We’re in a transitional period right now. The jumps game is building up steam. The flat game is just about to give up the ghost….

I could do with a winner. Tomorrow is as good a day as any….

Before they pack away the starting stalls until next spring, the flat delivers one more big handicap tomorrow afternoon in the shape of the November Handicap at Doncaster (3.15) – where 23 go to post over the 12f trip….

The jumps game takes our focus down to Wincanton for the Badger Beers Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (3.35) – where 15 horses compete over the 3m1f trip….

I’m doing my usual – taking a contrarian stance and digging out my idea of the best bets at value prices….

I know some of you like to follow me in – if or when I make a convincing enough case. I know some of you like to get me beat with your own selections. Good luck to you all – however you’re playing….

Here’s where my money is going tomorrow afternoon….

• In the Badger down at Wincanton....

Nicholls’ has won the Badger ten times in total and clearly makes a habit of targeting the race with ‘live’ horses….

When you’ve got a record like that, you’re probably entitled to have two of your next three runners sitting atop the betting….

Present Man has already won the race twice (2017 & 2018) off 142 and 144. He goes again off 146 and top weight – and is up at 11/2….

Danny Whizzbang must overcome a 266-day layoff. But the market doesn’t seem concerned that he might be a little ring rusty. He’s up at 11/2 too – with the yard’s top man Harry Cobden in the saddle and giving the impression this one might be the main chance….

Those two help make the price about JUST A STING – whose been around a while but remains lightly raced having had just nine goes over fences.

He’s not massive at 15/2 generally and 8s in places, but for some time he’s looked like a chaser who can rate higher and sooner or later he’s going to strike….

Tomorrow represents a great opportunity. He was going well last year in the same race – travelling nicely out wide in search of better ground and coming with a good-looking run between four and three out….

He threw away his chance with a mistake at the 3rd last – which seemed to knock the stuffing out of him. He was going so well up until that point that it makes perfect sense to come back to the track for a second crack….

I think this time the ground will be better. That’s in his favour. And his record is one of a horse that gives his running fresh. First time out is not a bad time to catch him and he’s only a pound higher in the weights than last year….

• Up at Doncaster....

David O’Meara’s EAGLE COURT is up at 14s and that’s a price I can support….

The big raw-boned 3yo was always going to improve for time and maturation – and these later stages of the season have seen him start to thrive. He’s improving and coming into his own when other horses are dropping off a bit….

Soft ground has helped him. So too has the step up to 10f from a mile. He’s certainly one to latch onto for next season – because he looks like a potential big improver for another winter….

But this season isn’t over for him yet. He steps up to 12f for the first time tomorrow. The longer trip looks sure to suit and should improve him again. He’s pretty much needed every yard in his brace of wins over the 10f trip.

He gets his ground, and he can run a big race off a mark of 90….

• The final word….

That’s all from me for today. I’ll be back next week. Meanwhile….

Anything to report? Anything to say? Anything to share? Contact me at: nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk

Until next time. Stay tuned.

Against the Crowd