With Cheltenham just eight days away Herefordshire trainer Venetia Williams has her string in fine form at just the right time of the season, and her run of impressive results (eight winners in the past fortnight) can improve further still with Carrickboy likely to put up a bold show in Hereford’s Play Casino At betvictor.com Handicap Chase this afternoon at 4.45pm.
Up to mark of 128 after a win at Catterick and a slightly unlucky second at Ayr (a mistake two from home did for him when second) in the past seven weeks, it looks as though this eight year old son of Silver Patriarch (winner of the 1997 St Leger) is finally threatening to add some consistency to his undoubted ability, and that could spell trouble for his seven rivals here.
He’s certainly not immune to making the odd blunder which means he’s a million miles from maximum bet material, but favourite Made In Time and fellow danger Rougham both have more questions to answer in that department, and with Carrickboy better suited by better ground (though has won over hurdles on Heavy) he can continue his improvement.
He isn’t one for going in gung-ho with the family silver, but all the same he does appeal as the likeliest winner with his stable now threatening to blaze a trail after a muted start to the campaign.
Boylesports, Coral and Stan James offer the best price in the village at 11/4.
Also definitely worth a look is bookmaker William Hill’s Monday special which sees them offering an industry wide top price of 5/4 about Hurricane Fly to repeat his win in the Champion Hurdle.
If Willie Mullins’ stable star turns up in the same vein of form as 12 months ago, or indeed in two subsequent outings at Punchestown or Leopardstown, there is only one outcome.
Every other firm are odds on (Ladbrokes shortest at 4/6), and though you can’t get on for a fortune it’s a worthwhile addition to the antepost portfolio for next week.
Good luck!
Monday best bets:
4.45 Hereford – Play Casino At betvictor.com Handicap Chase – 4 Carrickboy (win) @ 11/4 (Boylesports, Coral and Stan James)
Champion Hurdle antepost – Hurricane Fly (win) @ 5/4 (William Hill)
