Today's best bets, by Will Hayler
Nick Gifford has endured an in-and-out season but still has a number of potentially smart horses in his team. Ballybach (3.30) has failed in three starts so far this campaign to build upon the conspicuous promise he showed last season.
He was disappointing on ground that was probably too soft at Fontwell last time, but if he can return to the form of his previous close-up fourth at Ascot, Ballybach would look well treated on his handicap debut at Plumpton this afternoon.
Backing Gifford's horses has been something of an act of faith recently, but at a double-figure price it may be worth taking a chance.
Shoreacres (4.30) looked in need of the run when getting tired in the closing stages and fading into third up the hill at Exeter behind the useful Copper Bleu. He paid the penalty for having got into a battle with the winner and probably didn't appreciate the testing conditions. With decent ground expected to suit better at Plumpton and his latest run likely to have put him straighter, this very useful hurdler should get off the mark as a chaser.
One trainer who it has paid to follow in recent days is Tim Walford. Harry The Hawk (2.50) travelled strongly at Newcastle last week and looked likely to give the yard another winner until lack of stamina told. Back at two miles and with that first tun of the season under his belt he should go close at Catterick.
Tipping competition - a new week
Congratulations to johne5knuckle, who had a big lead on Friday morning and came home unchallenged. He emailed me on Friday night to say he would like the Kauto Star scarf and I dare say he was not tempted to change his mind by anything that happened on Saturday.
This week's prize, therefore, is the rejected Denman scarf. I only hope it ends up in the home of one of the dwindling band of Denman fans, who can use it to show their continued support for the clumsy chaser, and not as a rag to mop up spillages.
To kick things off, we'd like your tips, please, for these races: 3.20 Catterick, 3.30 Plumpton, 4.20 Catterick.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
For terms and conditions click here. Good luck!
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