10/1 Arderin looks the real McCoy
The booking of Tony McCoy to partner Arderin on his handicap debut in the 5.10 at Uttoxeter catches the eye, and the Irish raider looks worth chancing at the 10/1 on offer.
Daniel Loughnane’s six-year-old shaped encouragingly when sixth of 19 to Dermot Weld’s natural High in a maiden hurdle at Galway on his penultimate start and was far from disgraced last time out when fifth of 12 to Burma Rock in a similar contest at Kilbeggan.
He led on both occasions before weakening out of contention but to me he looks the type who could do well now handicapping as his early bumper form was quite useful and suggested he had ability.
In particular, his sixth of 18 to The Shepherd King on his debut under rules at Listowel stands out and if he can run to that sort of level he must have chance in this off an opening mark of 91.
It’s also interesting that connections are leaving off the headgear today as it seems to have lit him up too much and caused him to run too free in his latest runs.
If the champ can get him settled I can see him running a huge race, and at 10/1 he looks worth an each-way punt.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Arderin (10/1 Blue Square, Sportingbet)
9/2 Dude worth a dabble
Monbeg Dude caught the eye on his debut over hurdles and is strongly fancied to open his account at the second time of asking in the 3.40 at Uttoxeter.
Michael Scudamore’s Irish point winner looked a nice type when finishing runner-up in a bumper here last December and confirmed that he had enough ability to win a race of this nature when a staying on to finish a never nearer fourth to Teshali on his first try over the obstacles over course and distance three weeks ago.
Although beaten just under 8 lengths he would have finished closer but for a mistake at the third last and was not knocked about once it was clear he would not be winning.
That run was his first for 218 days, and with normal improvement he must go close.
His handler has certainly found him a weak looking contest, as on paper he only has Mistoffelees and Paddy The Hare to worry about, and at the 9/2 on offer he certainly looks the best value of the trio.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Monbeg Dude (9/2 Boylesports, Paddy power – BOG, Sportingbet, Stan James)