Stencil’s drawn the attention of Timeform’s clock-watchers in the 13:40
Friday’s AScot tips
12:40 – Kapal Layar
13:15 – Crystal Island
13:50 – Stencil
14:25 – Let It Rain
15:00 – No Questions Asked
15:35 – Bass Hunter
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Although KAPAL LAYAR disappointed on his reappearance at Carlisle his overall record for Olly Murphy is progressive, winning at Chepstow and Perth on his last two starts last season, and he can probably be given another chance. Last month’s course winner Mount Anglesby is second choice ahead of El Galactico, making his handicap debut after winning small-field novice contests on his last two starts, and last season’s course winner Samuel Spade.
An interesting maiden hurdle. CRYSTAL ISLAND saw off a recent Wincanton bumper runner-up when winning his Irish point in the spring and is selected to make a winning start to his hurdle career for Nicky Henderson, with confidence in his chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. Big Ticket, Off The Jury and Gaelic Pride are all fairly useful and should be on the premises, while Ben Pauling’s Dig Deep looks capable of better again.
On the back of an encouraging chase debut when fifth to July Flower in a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham, STENCIL is expected to take a step forward after not being given at all a hard time and, in receipt of a handy allowance, Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm’s four-year-old could be the way to go switching to handicap company. Excelero made all to win a similar event at Warwick last time, while Bluey would be the other main danger if taking her chance.
A competitive handicap hurdle for the grade, with plenty of pace likely. The returning LET IT RAIN appeals most, her bumper/hurdle form for Dan Skelton having plenty of substance, and she’s likely to prove better than her opening mark. Dance And Glance has been shaping well in higher grades and will be suited by the greater emphasis on stamina here, while strong-travelling Walkadina can be seen to better effect in a big-field two-mile handicap.
The one who appeals most is Ben Pauling’s NO QUESTIONS ASKED who was sure-footed when making a winning start over fences over course and distance last month. He subsequently improved when runner-up in what was probably a strong renewal of the John Francome at Newbury, looking sure to win that Grade 2 when easing to the front at the third-last before being outstayed by Wendigo. Steel Ally and Jax Junior are similarly promising types and are feared most in that order.
Plenty of depth to this listed bumper with Chris Gordon’s BASS HUNTER the most persuasive option following his impressive eight-length win from the front at Newbury last month, the runner-up successful over hurdles since. Chepstow winner Sea The Day, Sinchi Roca, runner-up in a similar event to this at Cheltenham last time, and Sappingirl who shaped with promise when runner-up at Fontwell are just a trio of potential threats.
Friday’s AScot tips
12:40 – Kapal Layar
13:15 – Crystal Island
13:50 – Stencil
14:25 – Let It Rain
15:00 – No Questions Asked
15:35 – Bass Hunter
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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