Hereford best bet: Henry’s Friend poised to build on recent success
Hereford abandoned
The withdrawal of Harry Cobden’s Sageburg County has improved the chances of his market rivals, but has also reduced the each-way options in this seven-runner handicap, sponsored by Planet Sport Bet.
15:30 Hereford: Read Harry Cobden’s Blog at PlanetSportBet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2 miles 5 furlongs)
All of those are no strangers to the winners’ circle, with Supreme Gift visiting it three times in novice hurdles last year, and doing so again at his second attempt over larger obstacles at Ascot in November.
He was less impressive when a distant fourth of six on Boxing Day, but Aintree’s bottomless ground was a factor then, and he should bounce back here, with Alice Stevens’ five-pound claim helping matters.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Supreme Gift finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Alan King’s Harbour Lake looked like a chaser in the making when landing his first four completed hurdling efforts, but made errors on his debut over fences at Aintree on Boxing Day, so he will have something to prove on this second attempt.
Top-weighted Rock My Way also made a promising chasing debut when runner-up of five at Plumpton three weeks ago, but it is difficult to argue with market trends for this one, and the warm favourite Henry’s Friend wears that mantle well.
- Suggested best bet: Henry’s Friend in the 15:30 at Hereford
Twice a winner over hurdles, Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old has looked at ease in both of his starts over fences, backing up a promising fifth place on last month’s chasing debut at Doncaster with a tidy win at Newbury just two weeks later.
Over a slightly longer trip than he faces here, Henry’s Friend rallied from a poor position two furlongs out, keeping on strongly to beat the short-priced favourite by a neck, fighting all out at the line.
His subsequent three-pound hike was to be expected, but the manner of that win suggests that should not prevent another strong run here, and he could well get another couple of wins under his belt before the handicapper fully catches up with him.
