Wetherby preview

Off to the local track today for a decent card, with a couple of races featuring on Channel 4.

The 2.05 looks a tricky contest but here's how I view the race.

Upsilon Bleu; Won cosily here just over a year ago off a pound lower. Was due for a repeat bid in the Castleford, and they kept him ticking over in a hurdle race a fortnight ago. A class act, and if in the same form as last year will go close.

Sir Valentino; Finally found the consistent form he looked capable of a while back. Needs to find another PB and this ground may be deeper than he has encountered before. Should go well though.

Yorkist; Simply not in the same form as last season and some of those novice efforts may have been over rated. The stable switch from Ellison to Hammond has undoubtedly played a part in his regression. The handicapper has taken note however and if he does return to form for whatever reason he could go close.

Gardefort; The dark horse. I thought he would be better at further than 2m as I thought he looked a bit short of toe here last season. However, he didn’t run again so may have had a small issue. Ran desperately on his return and while he looks a potential class act on the best of his form, backing him requires a leap of faith.

Mwaleshi; Given a chance by the assessor but could be regressing at the age of 11. Bad fall at Aintree last time and 2m almost certainly on the short side these days. Hard to pass when on song, but some strong finishers to contend with here.

Whispering Harry; Surprisingly tipped up last time as he’s normally a safe jumper. Very progressive horse who nevertheless requires another PB off this mark. That’s not out of the question as he never wins by far so the handicapper can’t know his true worth. Contender.

Tissue; 11/4 Upsilon Bleu 4 Whispering Harry 9/2 Sir Valentine 7 Gardefort 8 Yorkist 8 Mwaleshi

Conclusion; Trappy. Each could be given some sort of chance and betting here is not for the faint-hearted. However, at this time I do make Upsilon Bleu the one the beat with a 7/25 record. Anything above 7/2 will probably rate a bet. 

In truth I couldn’t really advise a bet on Mwaleshi, Yorkist or Gardefort, who all have questions to answer. Of the other two I would probably favour Whispering Harry for the forecast.