GG Editor Rob Plumbridge picks out his best bets for a stellar afternoon of action on ITV.
Back his selections with Bet UK and you can get £30 in Free Bets when you stake just £10.
NAP: Hitman (2.25 Newbury) – 2/1
I’m not convinced HITMAN is a Grade 1 star by any means, but I do think he’s got the winning of this, which isn’t a vintage renewal. He blew the field apart at Haydock where he made all and put in a devastating performance. That was enough to see him well fancied to win the King George, where he couldn’t live with a pretty good field around Kempton. Newbury should suite him having won here before, and will allow him the odd mistake jumps wise. He gets weight off Eldarado Allen, who I consider his main opposition, but the selection should be able to account for. Seven-year-olds have a solid record in this and he can emulate Clan De Obeaux for the same connections who won the race for this yard in 2019.
Double:
Greanateen (3.00 Newbury) – 4/9
Love Envoi (2.05 Warwick) – 4/7
GREANATEEN lost little in defeat in the Tingle Creek where not many would have lived with Edwardstone that day. The selection was tough enough to keep 2nd though that day and a run similar to that would be more than enough today you’d think. He should take these along in front today at a track that can suit a front runner. He’s a very solid jumper and will be allowed to get into a nice rhythm and it’s hard to see any of these being able to trouble him.
LOVE ENVOI has been a revelation for Harry Fry’s yard and now boasts an imperious record of 8 wins from 9 career starts. She will be targeting the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham, where she could face the likes of Honeysuckle, Epatante and Marie’s Rock. There’s nothing of that sort of calibre here though and the Course and Distance winner is almost impossible to oppose.
Outsider: Opening Bid (3.48 Warwick) – 7/1
Last time out winner OPENING BID has gone up 3lbs for a 3/4 length victory at Uttoxeter, but is still well treated on his old form.
He’s 5lbs lower for his victory at this course and distance in 2021 and surely has a great chance of going back-to-back. His Warwick form reads 5,1,5,2,2 which bodes well for Chris Down’s charge. He gets a hefty 9lbs off the favourite and surely rates a big danger at his optimum distance.