Ben Linfoot heads to Plumpton for the Tip of the Day with one of Philip Hobbs' fancied following a mini break.
1pt win Beau Du Brizais in 3.00 Plumpton at 6/1
BEAU DU BRIZAIS has been on a mini break since the end of December, missing the worst of the winter ground, and he looks a good bet to mark his return with a win at Plumpton this afternoon.
Philip Hobbs’ five-year-old grey took a while to get the hang of things over hurdles but it all came together for him at Taunton on December 20, winning a handicap off a mark of 109 in good fashion.
He couldn’t follow up at the same track off a 7lb higher mark 10 days later, but the quick turnaround could be a viable excuse and he ran on well in any case, shaping as though a slight step up in trip, which he gets today, would suit him well.
I certainly don’t think his new mark handicaps him out of things and the form of that Taunton win has worked out well.
The third, Thomas Blossom, has been second in two starts on the all-weather since, the fourth, Storming Strumpet, has subsequently been second twice in handicap chases, the fifth, Thundering Home, has won two handicap hurdles (on his last two starts) and the seventh, Bandon Roc, has won three handicap hurdles (from three subsequent starts).
That gives some substance to Beau Du Brizais’ form and, freshened up following his break, he’s got a good opportunity to get back on the winning trail this afternoon.
McKenzie’s Friend, Hadfield and King Uther have all been declared non-runners this morning on account of the going, which is now Good, Good to Firm in places, but such conditions should be fine for the selection given he’s been kept away from soft ground so far in his career.
Anything around the 6/1 mark looks fair with those non-runners in mind.
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Posted at 0915 BST on 27/03/17.