3 minute read

With the jumps season beginning to take hold, one of our two selections will be attempting to land a first hurdling win at Plumpton…

It could be argued that Dameofthecotswolds is too short at 4/5 for the 2m4 1/2f Oakleaf Builders Sussex Mares' Maiden Hurdle at Plumpton, having failed to win in nine hurdle outings to date. In comparison, Sheena West's Cherry Cola makes plenty of appeal at 13/2 - making her first start over hurdles since late May at Huntingdon. Whilst the eight-year-old mare is 0-11 over hurdles, she enjoyed a fairly productive 2022/23 campaign, picking up multiple placings in competitive handicap hurdle company, including two seconds over course and distance. Cherry Cola will be fit and ready for her hurdles reappearance, having finished fourth at Bath over 1m6f on the flat last week - that could be her key advantage in this field.

WIN - CHERRY COLA - 13/2

Switching to the flat, Liberatus is fancied to reverse the form with current favourite The Lost Canvas in the one mile, half-a-furlong Usave Business Energy Consultancy EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Hamilton Park. Charlie Johnston's charge finished one-and-three-quarter lengths behind The Lost Canvas, with the pair finishing fifth and sixth respectively in a one mile Ripon contest on their respective debuts. Both started at long odds, but Liberatus arguably shaped as though he could improve the most from the duo - making headway in the closing stages but hanging right in green fashion. The Iffraaj colt is a half brother to seven flat winners and he could be incorrectly priced at 10/3.

WIN - LIBERATUS - 10/3