2.40 Aintree
Frero Banbou is a logical starting point for this year’s Grand Sefton.
Trainer Venetia Williams has been hitting form, and Frero Banbou is 3lb lower than when finishing third in the race last year.
He was fancied to run well in the Topham later in the season, but connections opted for a different approach, holding him up rather than his usual attacking style, resulting in a disappointing run.
That effort can be forgiven, and if he reverts to his usual prominent style, he should perform well.
At a bigger price, Harper’s Brook is worth considering for new trainer Dan Skelton.
He has a dismal record at Cheltenham, failing to beat a single rival there, making his poor run in the Grand Annual understandable.
However, his record outside Cheltenham is impressive: 13142121221. While he has a tendency to idle, costing him at least two wins at Sandown and Ascot in recent seasons, this unique test could suit him, especially with his new yard in great form.
Tedley, although race-fit, narrowly beat Choosethenews at Wetherby last week.
However, Choosethenews appeared the better horse and now faces a tougher task with an additional 6lb on his back.
Similarly, Duke Of Luckley won a modest race at Sedgefield, but he too carries an extra 6lb, making this a sterner challenge.
Killer Kane stands out, having contested Grade 3 races last season.
He’s dropping in class here, and his recent run at Kempton was promising, staying on well until fading in the final half-furlong.
Notably, backing Oscar’s offspring in first-time blinkers has proven profitable, with 15 winners from 91 runners generating a substantial profit to a tenner stake.
Joe Tizzard has a 27% strike rate when fitting blinkers for the first time, adding confidence. The current price of 9-2 looks more than fair.
1.45 Wincanton
Pretending carries plenty of weight, but Lucy Wadham’s mare continues to improve.
She had more in hand than the winning margin suggests when beating Tamar Bridge at Uttoxeter last time.
Although she has won on heavy ground, she prefers good going and has never finished out of the places on a sound surface.
This is her toughest test yet, but another solid run is expected.
Good Look Charm, meanwhile, was often placed in high-quality handicap hurdles at this distance last season and has dropped to a fair mark after a forgiveable defeat in heavy ground at Wetherby.
She’s fully exposed but offers value as an alternative to the market leader.
3.30 Wincanton
Anthony Honeyball looks set to deliver the winner here, with three entries. Lord Baddesley is interesting on his debut for the yard, but the trip is an unknown factor, so he’s overlooked.
Gustavian is consistent but is 4lb out of the handicap, making this a tough ask. This leaves Forward Plan as the main contender.
Last year, Forward Plan finished sixth in this race, possibly needing the run, but the yard’s focus was on Blackjack Magic then.
This year, that’s not the case. After that initial outing, Forward Plan improved significantly, finishing the season with a solid third in the Freebooter at Aintree.
Coquelicot’s win earlier this week, despite a layoff, is a positive indicator for the stable’s form. Forward Plan won’t be troubled by the ground and should run well.
11.45 Doncaster
Zip has underperformed for much of the year, but recent signs indicate he’s returning to form.
He’s now on a mark that better reflects his ability, and the return of a visor, which was used only briefly at Haydock earlier this season, should help.
His record at Doncaster over 7f with cut in the ground reads 61004113. Warren Fentiman, who is excellent value for his 5lb claim, takes the ride, which boosts his chances.
3.45 Doncaster
We’re both keen on an Ed Bethell runner for the November Handicap, though not the same one. I’m with Minstrel Knight, while Rory supports Chillingham.
Rory’s pick, Chillingham, had several of these rivals behind him when finishing second to Not So Sleepy at Newbury on testing ground.
That was an improved performance from his Ebor run, benefiting from a change in tactics.
He’s expected to be ridden patiently again by Callum Rodriguez and, despite a stop-start season, looks as good as ever, running off a mark 1lb lower than this time last year.
On the other hand, I’m siding with Minstrel Knight, who’s drawn wide—a positive in soft conditions in recent renewals of this race.
His stamina is proven after wins at Haydock and York over 1m6f, and he’s likely to race prominently throughout.
He’s a late bloomer, but this season he’s finally showing his full potential.
