David Pipe handicap debutantes always command the utmost respect and he looks to have found a nice opening for Diamond’s Return in the finale at Newton Abbot today (4.45).
The gelding has shown nothing in two runs over hurdle’s for the Pond House handler, but had some decent form in Irish bumpers which suggest he has the ability to win a race of this nature.
The eight-year-old beat the useful On Borrowed Wings on his bumper debut at Killarney back in 2009 and went on to finish 9th of 13 to Loosen My Load in a decent contest at Galway.
He then suffered an injury and was off the track for a long time and although he failed to cut any ice in two runs over hurdles before joining Pipe it’s interesting that he is being persevered with and his opening mark of 92 does not look harsh if he can bounce back.
It’s also interesting that his shrewd connections are fitting him with cheek-pieces for the first time this afternoon, and they couldn’t have found him a weaker contest to make his handicap debut.
With Conor O’Farrell also taking a further 3lb off his back he is weighted to take all the beating in my eyes and looks worth chancing at the 6/1 on offer.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Diamond’s Return (6/1 BetVictor, Paddy Power – BOG)