Racing on Friday in the UK and Ireland comes from Dundalk (AW), Exeter, Newcastle (AW), Sandown and Sedgefield.
The highlight at Sandown is a Grade Two contest for novice hurdlers and it features some potentially smart horses for the future.
Selections
- Sedgefield 12:30 – Betty Baloo @ 9/4
- Exeter 12:50 – Getaway Cory @ 9/4
- Sedgefield 13:35 – Kildrum @ 4/1
- Sandown 14:20 – Maximilian @ 15/8
Tip 1
BETTY BALOO (9/4) proved very consistent last season over hurdles. She only prevailed once, but she was frequently in the mix at the finish. There is likely to be much more to come from her in her latest campaign.
This will be Tim Easterby’s mare’s second run of the season. Her connections will have been pleased with her performance at Market Rasen last month where she finished second of 10 runners.
The handicapper has put the six-year-old up 3lb in the ratings, but she should be much fitter now so expect to see her step up on that performance.
Tip 2
GETAWAY CORY (9/4) remains a maiden, but on the evidence of what he has produced already this season, it won’t be long before he enters the winner’s enclosure. This handicap hurdle for amateur and conditional riders looks like a great opportunity for him.
The seven-year-old has hit the frame twice in the three outings in the current campaign. He finished third on his seasonal reappearance at Hereford (2m5½f), while on his latest run, just one horse beat him at Wincanton (2m4f).
Kayley Woollacott’s runner has been handed bottom weight of 10st 8lb. His latest mark of 76 is the lowest he has dropped to in his career, and he can take advantage of that to break his maiden tag in the second race on the card at Exeter.
Tip 3
KILDRUM (4/1) got off the mark over fences at the 10th attempt last May when he scored in a 3m hunters chase at Hexham. He made all in that race in what was a game performance from the gelding.
Micky Hammond’s runner made a respectable reappearance at Hexham last month where he finished third of 11. He just got tired in the closing stages of that race, which is understandable for his first start of the campaign.
This latest mark of 73 keeps the nine-year-old in with a great chance. He will also encounter Good to Soft ground once again here which he will appreciate.
Tip 4
The Grade Two Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle is the feature race at Sandown at 14:20 and it could unearth a smart novice hurdler for the future. MAXIMILIAN (15/8) has won both of his two starts over hurdles and he can complete his hat-trick.
Donald McCain’s runner prevailed on his debut over obstacles at Carlisle (2m4f) back in October. Just a few weeks later, he carried a penalty to success at Bangor (2m7f). He showed his versatility in that contest as he had no problems with the extra distance, powering away from his rivals for a nine-length victory.
The six-year-old looks open to further improvement on his first attempt at a graded race. His yard are in fine form at the moment, so it is easy to see why he is one of the selections on the Betfred Betfinder this afternoon.
