5/2 Water Garden ready to bloom
Water Garden makes his eagerly awaited handicap debut in the finale at Exeter (3.30) and is of major interest at 5/2.
The gelding finished clear of the of the remainder when runner-up in a Fontwell bumper last year when trained by Paul Nicholls and has shaped with definite promise in four starts over hurdles without being knocked about.
Now in the care of David Pipe, the five-year-old was well beaten on his first start for his new handler at Plumpton last month but has always looked the type who will come into his own when tackling handicaps.
He gets into today’s contest off a mark of just 96, and with Connor O’Farrell taking off another 3lb could be leniently treated on his runs behind the likes of Master Hyde and Golden Chieftan at the beginning of the year.
Another plus is that connections are fitting him with cheekpieces, and with that aid applied it would be no surprise to see him step up significantly on what he has achieved so far.
This is certainly a weak looking contest, and it will be disappointing if he does not open his account at the sixth time of asking.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 4pts win Water Garden (5/2 Betfred, Boylesports, Ladbrokes – BOG)
Molly looks magic at 12s
Molly Round was a highly progressive hurdler last season and looks overpriced at 12/1 now having her attention switched to chasing in the 2.00 at Exeter.
Grant Cann’s mare opened her account in an amateur riders handicap hurdle at Towcester off a mark of 71 and went on to defy the handicapper by winning two more races off marks of 81 and 100.
She rounded of her season with a highly creditable 6th of 18 to Line Freedom in a Grade 1 Listed contest at Newbury, and is she can translate that level of form to the larger obstacles could be potentially well treated off a mark of 109.
Although she unseated on her only previous start over fences the seven-year-old has plenty of size and scope about her and could be a different proposition now that she has progressed and strengthened up.
She certainly has the ability to win this if putting in a clear round, and the 12/1 on offer with bet365 looks a massive price.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Molly Round (12/1 bet365 – BOG)
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