Plumpton best bet: Hunting Percival looking to exploit drop in class
Plumpton racecourse
As National Hunt racing returns to something like normal after the weather wiped out much of last week's action, we take a looks at what should be an exciting three-mile hurdle at Plumpton.
15:20 Plumpton Racecourse Meet and Events Spaces Handicap Hurdle (3 miles 1 furlong)
With four each-way places widely available in this 10-runner handicap, it’s tempting to look down the betting for some outsider value.
While Oscarsman’s significant weight advantage could work in his favour, it’s hard to make a case for any of those carrying double-digit odds, although Ben Lilly has put in some useful displays recently under claiming jockeys, and could find another gear under David Noonan.
The winner looks much more likely to emerge from the three market principals, of whom early favourite Copshill Lad is yet to win over hurdles, but has had a few near misses in recent months.
He came a distance second on his first three-mile attempt at Fakenham a month ago, so it’s interesting that he is given another chance at this distance, as indeed is the booking of Planet Sport’s racing ambassador Harry Cobden to take the reins.
By the off, he could well lose his favourite tag to Lanspark, who got back to winning ways last time out on Boxing Day, but sure to challenge both of those is top-weight Hunting Percival, who should go well as he drops in class.
Suggested best bet: Hunting Percival in the 15:20 at Plumpton
A bumper winner on his 2019 debut, Hunting Percival quickly adapted to life over obstacles, chalking up two wins and several frame finishes for Tom Lacey before moving to Syd Hosie’s yard during a year-long break during 2022-23.
After such an extended lay-off, it was perhaps understandable that he was pulled up in a couple of his early comeback races last June, but he soon found his feet to land two wins either side of a runner-up spot at Stratford in the space of one midsummer month.
His last three starts have all been in tougher Class 2 company, but nonetheless he acquitted himself well to come fourth of eight last time out on Boxing Day.
All of his rivals that day were rated 120+, well above the 0-110 company he will face in this Class 4 affair, while Freddie Gingell’s five-pound claim brings him down to well below his last winning mark.
READ MORE: Warwick racing tips: Best bets for Monday January 22
