Small bet on the outsider of 5, CAIRNSHILL, recent form not very good and hasn’t won since May last year when he won in class 2 at Cartmel. He is now 6 lbs lower than that win. His run at Perth two starts ago (finished 5th of 9, beaten 10 lengths) wasn’t too bad considering it was his first run of season and he went off at a big price (28/1). That race was won by today’s favourite Chocolat Noir, and selection is 8 lbs better off with the favourite for that 10 lengths defeat. Last run over fences is a worry, not only because he finished tailed off but because it means now he is having his 3rd race in just over 3 weeks, which is tough at these staying distances. On positive side, he has placed form over c&d, having finished a close 2nd on only run on the hurdles course here, although it was four years ago.
It is an interesting race as it also includes last year’s 2nd & 3rd (there were only 4 runners in the race), Hepijeu (beaten 4 lengths as favourite) and Handy Hollow another half length behind. Hepijeu is 3 lbs lower today and Handy Hollow 6 lbs lower, which gives both of these a chance too.
Bets - small bet on Cairnshill @ 9/1, saver on Hepijeu