Hereford best bet: Mistral Blue bidding to steal opening race from Below The Radar
A view of Hereford racecourse
Planet Sport Bet are back at Hereford races, where they sponsor the whole Monday card, kicking off with this intriguing opener that could reveal one or two promising hurdlers of the future.
13:30 Hereford: Bet 10 Get 10 at PlanetSportBet Novices’ Hurdle (2 miles 5 furlongs 163 yards)
When Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden team up at a Monday afternoon meeting with just a couple of rides, the chances are that both have serious claims, and Below The Radar certainly fits that team’s winning profile.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if if the favourite (inc joint) wins, get a £5 Free Bet
The runner-up in two point-to-point outings, this six-year-old opened his Rules career with a bumper debut success at Chepstow in November, finishing comfortably clear of short-priced favourite San Frandisco, who went on to land the odds next time out at Haydock.
His main threat is likely to come from Monks Meadow, who is knocking on the door of a maiden victory after making the frame in each of his first three hurdling efforts, despite losing a shoe last time out at Ascot just before Christmas.
Suggested best bet: Below The Radar in the 13:30 at Hereford
If none of the short-priced market leaders get the betting juices flowing, the three outsiders are all available at 33/1 or more, but maybe they are those odds for a reason.
More realistic each-way value can be found with Big John Wayne, who makes his hurdling debut after winning a point-to-point in October, and Mistral Blue, who is the only runner to have tasted victory over hurdles.
After a couple of outings last spring, Fergal O’Brien’s six-year-old mare was runner-up in her third bumper effort in November, and continued that progress with an emphatic 16-length win on her first attempt over obstacles last month.
That Doncaster success was in admittedly weak company, but she accomplished her task at a canter, and under usual rider Connor Brace, there should be more to come as she is asked to step up in trip.
Each-way punt: Mistral Blue in the 13:30 at Hereford
- Tip advised by JTC Best Bets on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Hereford racing tips: Best best for Monday January 29
