Proud Times is not badly treated on the pick of his form in the 3.55 at Plumpton today and with Sean Bowen in the saddle looks worth a punt at 7/1.
Ali Brewer’s gelding was in prolific form last season when rattling-up a hat-trick of successes in handicap hurdles, with the last of those successes coming at Uttoxeter off a mark of 97 where he scored by 14 lengths.
The nine-year-old went on to win a novices’ handicap chase off 105 and also finished a solid second over the larger obstacles off 116.
Proud Times has failed to sparkle in three runs this season – once over hurdles and twice on the level – but has quickly been dropped 5lb by the assessor since his hurdles run and is now able to race off 107.
That makes him look on a fair mark if boucning back to his best, and the booking of Sean Bowen to do the steering certainly catches the eye.
Bowen is one of the rising young stars in the game and terrific value for his 5lb claim.
Taking it into account, Proud Times is just 5lb higher than when last scoring in runaway style over hurdles and another plus is that he is 1-1 at the track.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Proud Times (7/1 bet365, Betfred, BetVictor, Paddy Power, Stam James, Skybet – BOG)