Today I’m turning my attention to the Betfair hurdle at Newbury.
3:35. I have 2 Selections for this race both of which I think are massive value.
PEARL SWAN will run a massive race. He is a horse I hold in very high regard and I actually think he well handicapped off 146 as for me I feel he is at least a 10lb better horse.
I was very impressed with PEARL SWAN last season. His both runs we’re of the highest quality. Firstly he ran the Triumph hurdle trial at Cheltenham. He was first past the post that day finishing in front of Grumeti that day but was demoted to 2nd as he hung right on the run in. Next start was in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival He fell that day at the last but I will go as far to say he would of won that day as he was closing quickly before coming down at the last. PEARL SWAN had a a bit of a setback for the start of this jump season but made his debut at kempton in a national hunt flat race. He finished 2nd that day and maybe should of won a weak race like that. I really don’t think he was fit at all that day and Paul Nicholls was just getting a run into him with today’s race in mind. He is best priced 10/1 and I really think he will run a massive race and enter the Champion hurdle picture as a lively outsider. At 10/1 he is a great each way bet.
My second selection is former champion hurdle winner PUNJABI. On old form he so well handicapped he is hard to ignore on a mark of 145 with Jeremiah McGrath claiming 5lb. I really think Nicky Henderson has hand picked this race for him and although he was out injured for over 2 years I thought his comeback race in the Christmas Hurdle was encouraging. He travelled nicely for a long way before blowing up and really wasn’t given a hard race at all. He was eased up 3 from me really but feel that race would of done him the world of good. For me 22/1 is a really nice price for a former Champion Hurdle winner especially as for me he is an unknown for what he still has to offer in the game. At that price and for the place I’m willing to take a chance.
Good Luck
JPW Racing Tipster