3/1 Diamond Harry ready to sparkle
A cracking renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby today (3.20) and the exciting Diamond Harry is strongly fancied to land the spoils at 3/1.
Nick Williams’ eight-year-old was a top class staying hurdler and quickly transferred that ability to the larger obstacles when winning three out of his four starts last year.
His final win came in the Hennessey at Newbury where he jumped for fun before cruising up on the bridle and then battling on gamely to beat Burton port by 1 1/4 lengths.
That win marked him out as a seriously Gold Cup contender, but injury unfortunately meant that he has been on the side lines and not seen since.
However he has a tremendous record when running fresh and his work at home building up to this has reportedly been electric.
There is little doubt in my mind that he has the potential to go right to the very top and he looks the type who still has bags of improvement left in him.
I can’t see last year’s winner Nacarat being able to give him 4lb, and a bigger threat is likely to be Paul Webber’s Time For Rupert.
The gelding, who was runner-up to Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle in 2010, looked a very exciting recruit to the chasing ranks when winning his first two starts last season before being well beaten in the RSA at the Cheltenham Festival where he reportedly bled.
If back to his best he will give the selection plenty to think about, but this looks a tough ask on his comeback run given that it is just his fourth outing over the larger obstacles and diamond Harry is a confident pick to come out on top.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Diamond Harry (3/1 Hills – BOG)
Cash-in on Carlito at 4/1
Irish raider Carlito Brigante hold outstanding claims in the 2.45 at Wetherby and makes plenty of appeal at 4/1.
Gordon Elliott’s five-year-old was progressive throughout last season and ran out an easy winner of the ultra competitive Coral Cup at Cheltenham.
He hardly had to come off the bridle to score and followed up with a fine third to the brilliant mare Quevega in the 3m Grade 1 contest at the Punchestown Festival.
The gelding kept on really well that day to be beaten just under seven lengths and had a whole host of top class performers behind him.
To my eyes a repeat of that run would be good enough to land this, and given that he is open to more progress than all bar one of his rivals he must take all the beating following a recent pipe opener on the flat.
With Tom Scudamore in the saddle he looks a solid bet at 4/1 and I can see him going off shorter come the off.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Carlito Brigante (4/1 generally available – BOG)
