8/1 Pillar of Hercules a strong bet
Pillar Of Hercules has become potentially very well treated and is of major interest at 8/1 in the 2.05 at Kelso.
Ferdy Murphy’s gelding has not won over the sticks since landing two races in Ireland off marks of 103 back in 2008, but he is now back down to a rating of 105 having been rated as high as 123 in the past.
He wasn’t disgraced when heavily backed and finishing fifth of 14 to Sheriff Hall when last seen in action at Mussleburgh last November, and his second to Alata Khan at that track the time before looks strong in the context of this race.
His fitness after a 10 month lay-off has to be taken on trust, but his shrewd handler is more than capable of getting one ready to do the business and it will be interesting to see if the money comes for him this morning.
However at 8/1 he is too big in my book for a horse with arguably the best form in the line-up, and at that price looks a solid each-way punt.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Pillar Of Hercules (8/1 generally available – BOG)
11/1 Itstooearly an each-way steal
Itstooearly has form in the book which is more than good enough to land the 5.00 Kelso and looks tremednous each-way value at 11/1.
James Moffat’s mare has failed to shine in her latest two starts, but her second to Andron in a handicap hurdle at Sedgefield back in May looks extremely strong in the context of this contest if she can bounce back.
The 8-year-old stayed on really well that day to be beaten just 1 1/2 lengths over 2m 1f, and today’s extra furlong should be right up her street.
She had some decent yardsticks behind her, and although clearly no world beater this is an extremely weak contest which represents a golden opportunity for her to break her duck under both codes.
Her run at Sedgfield came off a mark of 83 and she is allowed to race of that again today. Given that she has been placed of marks in the 90s in the past she is undoubtedly pretty well treated and weighted to take the beating.
It’s obviously a concern that she has failed to score in 29 starts under rules, but this is a race which severly lacks strength in depth and I find it impossible to see her not being in the frame at the very least.
Therefore at 11/1 she rates a great each-way punt.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Itstooearly (11/1 Victor chandler – BOG, Sky Bet)