Ballymoy looks worth a wager at 7/2 in the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell today (2.50) now dropped back in trip. This Nigel Twiston-Davies trained six-year-old is an ultra-progressive sort has won six of his nine starts over the obstacles. After making a winning return to action at Chepstow back in October when staying on strongly to beat subsequent winner I’m A Game Changer by 2lengths, then ran very well in the Listed 2m Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury when a 4 1/2 lengths fourth to Global Citizen. The winner has since beaten the useful Silver Streak by three lengths in the Grade 2 Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock, so that gives the form a solid look Ballymoy then got back on the scoresheet with an authoritative 4 1/2 lengths success at that Merseyside venue. He backed that up with a career-best performance at Ascot when landing a 10-runner Grade 2 handicap by 1 3/4 lengths from Colonial Dreams. He tracked the leaders going well in the latter, before taking up the running four from home. Ballymoy was then strongly pressed after the last, but gamely dug deep and was well on top at the line. Ballymoy was far from disgraced last time out when seventh of 16 to Lord Napier in a hot handicap hurdle over 2m 7f at Sandown under the welter burden of 11st 12lb when he shaped like a non-stayer. The drop back to 2m 3f, over which he is 2-2, is a massive plus and in receipt of 2lb from If The Cap Fits has only 1lb to find with the favourite on adjusted ratings and looks the type who should have even more to offer going forward.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Ballymoy (7/2 generally available – use BOG firms)
