The Premier Raceday meeting in the UK today is at Wincanton. The racecourse in Somerset hosts a seven-race card highlighted by two Group 2 features and the Badger Beer Handicap Chase.
Track conditions are likely to remain good, which is of slight concern for the favourite Handstands in the Gr2 Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (16h23). The Ben Pauling trained five-year-old looked very progressive last season winning four consecutive starts on soft ground before finishing unplaced in a Group 1 at Cheltenham.
Wincanton Racecourse (Pic – British Racecourses)
He may get away with it, but Insurrection was second to a useful rival at Chepstow on his chasing debut four weeks ago and that recent run may just give him the edge here. Trained down the road by multiple British National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the seven-year-old appeals.
Only three go to post for the Gr2 BetMGM Elite Hurdle (16h55) with the scratching of Forever William, and all of them hold realistic chances.
Nicholls saddles last year’s winner Rubaud, a course and distance winner, who won with plenty in hand at Kempton last month. Fellow course and distance winner Brentford Hope represents the in-form yard of Harry Derham. A runner-up to a Willie Mullins runner in a listed contest at Punchestown in April gives him a chance, but this will require another step forward.
A bigger threat is the Irish raider Aspire Tower. The Henry de Bromhead trained eight-year-old, who placed in the 2021 Champion Hurdle, relished his return to hurdling when winning easily at Punchestown last month. He should improve for the run and receives 6lbs from Rubaud.
The Badger Beer Handicap Chase follows at 17h30. Ten runners contest the valuable £47,552 first prize run over three miles and a furlong.
The in-form Joe Tizzard yard saddle The Changing Man who is narrowly selected ahead of Lord Accord.
Second to the 153 rated Stay Away Fay on his chasing debut here last season with Grey Dawning behind in third is the best form on offer, and with the trainer in red hot form, the seven-year-old can go well here in handicap class off a rating of 130.
- The first due off @ 14h35.
