Water Garden looks blooming great at 7/2
David Pipe is the master when it comes to handicap plots and his Water Garden is of major interest at 7/2 in the opener at Ascot today (12.55)
The Pond House handler landed a massive gamble here yesterday with Our Father, and a repeat dose looks on the cards with the unexposed selection.
The David Johnson owned gelding went into my notebook as one to keep on the right side when sent handicapping after shaping with with bags of promise on on numerous occasions in novice events.
That view was confirmed when he proved that his handicap mark was all wrong when romping home by a wide margin at Wincanton earlier in month.
Although closely matched with Carrickmines – who came to grief two from home when still in the lead and going well – there is little doubt in my mind that he would have won if that rival had stayed up.
He was stalking the leader and Timmy Murphy had not moved a muscle, and in the end strolled home by 18 lengths despite being heavily eased.
The handicapper has reacted by putting him up 14lb to a mark of 110, but I still think that his shrewd connections have got him in this on a nice mark and he is definitely one to keep on the right side of.
Daily Sport ecommended bet: 3pts win Water Garden (7/2 Victor Chandler – BOG)
The Minack a solid bet at 11/4
Paul Nicholls’ The Minack is on an upward curve and looks to hold outstanding claims at 11/4 in the 3.05 at Ascot today.
The seven-year-old was a promising novice last season, winning two of his four starts over the larger obstacles.
He looked the type who would do well in handicaps this time round, and proved that to be the case when making a winning reappearance in the Badger Ales at Wincanton last month.
The gelding jumped well and battled on gamely to beat stable companion Meanus Dandy by 1/2 a length, with the pair pulling readily 9 lengths clear of the third home Benbane Head.
The assessor has put him up 9lb for that effort, but he is still lightly raced and open to further improvement and it’s unlikely to stop him following up under conditions which will be ideal.
This also doesn’t look the strongest of races, and the champion trainer looks to have found him a lovely opening to exploit
Recommended bet: 4pts win The Minack (11/4 generally available – use BOG firms)
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