Our racing expert Lucky Loader takes a look through the card for our sponsored meeting at Huntingdon on St Patrick’s Day, which includes a 16/1 selection who he thinks can outrun his odds.
1.32 – Happy St Patricks Day From Rhino.Bet Handicap Chase
I quite like the chances of Duneomeno to run a big race here. He didn’t shape too badly when he finished fourth over hurdles at Ludlow last month after a long layoff. His trainer, Henry Oliver, now makes the decision to send him over fences, which looks like a good call as he’s only 1lb lower than his last winning mark. If he can build on that performance, I can see him being in the frame.
Selection: Duneomeno (6/1)
2.07 – Follow Us On X @betrhino Handicap Hurdle
Cases can be made for quite a few in this race, but I am going to take a chance on Crystal Mer each way for Paul Webber. He put up a better effort when finishing fourth over this course and distance last month, having his first go at this trip. The son of Sea The Stars isn’t bred for stamina trips, but he looks like it’s worth persevering for the time being, as the form from last time has worked out well. The yard had a close second here on Wednesday, so I’m hoping they can go one better with this runner.
Selection: Crystal Mer EW (11/1)
2.42 – Read Henry Brooke On Blog.Rhino.Bet Maiden Hurdle
This is an ordinary maiden hurdle, but perhaps Rocovango has found a good opportunity to get his head in front. He did look a hard ride for Sean Bowen, when finishing second here last time out in handicap company, so that’s probably why connections have decided to reach for the first-time cheekpieces. However, that form has been boosted as Bluegrass won at Fakenham on Friday. He’s only a tentative selection as I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see something else improve past him.
Selection: Rocovango (5/2)
3.17 – Daily Football Offers At Rhino.Bet Novices’ Handicap Chase
I’m scratching my head with this race, but I am just probably going to go for Loup De Maulde. He was due to run at Uttoxeter on a valuable handicap hurdle but connections have decided to come here. The seven-year-old gelding is having his first run over fences since joining Robbie Llewellyn and he is well-treated being 9lbs lower than his hurdles mark. His second in the Pertemps Qualifier here in January is probably the best recent form and if he can run up that level, he should be the one to beat.
Selection: Loup De Maulde (7/4)
3.52 – Discover Whats Trending At Rhino.Bet Casino Handicap Hurdle
Wiseguy sets the recent standard here after his recent success at Lingfield and I expect him to go close once again. On the other hand if you want a flyer I think Totterdown is capable of giving you a bold run for your money. The 13-year-old gelding only has one way of going and that is hard and fast which could get a few of these out of their comfort zone. Furthermore, he’s a course and distance winner and loves a bit of cut in the ground. On his old form he’s very well treated and if he can run up to his fourth-placed effort at Sandown in November he might not be far away, with Finn Lambert’s 5lb claim also helping.
Selection: Totterdown (16/1)
4.27 – Boost Your Winnings At Rhino.Bet Mares’ Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race
You’re always taking a leap of faith in a race of this nature with little form to offer and going off pedigrees, though I am interested in Hola Hermosa for Fergal O’Brien. She comes from a very interesting family which includes horses like Top Of The Bill and Call Of The Wind, who have done well over jumps in recent seasons. She might not be good enough to win today, but she’ll be on my shortlist. Pam Sly is also no stranger to success in bumpers at this venue and her runner Prickly Rose is one to note for any market support.
Selection: Hola Hermosa (8/1)
