3 minute read

Sam King returns with two selections for Monday afternoon…

All four meetings look to have beaten the weather on Monday as temperatures gradually lift, meaning both Exeter and Punchestown bring National Hunt racing for fans to enjoy.

Nothing particularly catches my eye across the Irish Sea, so we head to Exeter for our first selection.

With all three of his last runners finding the winners' enclosure and a 40% strike-rate across the last fortnight, there's no doubt the Jamie Snowden team are firing on all cylinders.

Whilst Jack Sprat is unlikely to be at the top of the tree when it comes to ratings in Jamie Snowden's yard, he does look well-handicapped and reverting to hurdling can see him get back to winning ways in the opening Hall Down Hill Stayers' Conditional Jockeys' Training Series Handicap Hurdle at Exeter (1.08).

The seven-year-old gelded son of Walk In The Park jumped poorly when fourth of six in a handicap chase at Huntingdon last month, but he was only beaten four and a quarter lengths that day and surely would have gone close if jumping cleanly.

His last run over hurdles came when successful at Huntingdon in March off 1lb higher but with talented conditional Will Featherstone claiming 8lb, he's effectively 7lb well-in at the weights.

The likes of Pipers Cross and Mister Barclay look likely to give their running once more, but neither appeal from a handicap perspective in the manner that Jack Sprat does, and he can land the odds in the opener.

WIN – Jack Sprat

Odds – 9/4

Wolverhampton is our port of call for the second selection. Many A Star looks like the solid option in the BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap (7.00) and can regain the winning thread for the in-form Jamie Osborne team, who are operating at a 22% strike-rate with their runners over the last two weeks.

Jamie Osborne's contender caught the eye when third behind the reopposing Rebel Path over six furlongs at Chelmsford in December, shaping as though he wouldn't be winning out of turn having been forced to race wide throughout.

He's now 3lb better off at the weights with Rebel Path and after another solid effort to claim the bronze medal spot at Southwell eight days ago, Jamie Osborne's eight-year-old is selected to score from a good draw in stall three.

WIN – Many A Star

Odds – 7/2