Wetherby each-way-tip: Ballynagran can defy outsider odds on hurdling return
- John Fearn
- 29 February 2024
Our friends at Tipstrr have been crunching their numbers to provide us with their most popular each-way tip from the last race of Thursday’s jumps meeting at Wetherby.
17:10 Wetherby: Follow Racing TV on Twitter Handicap Hurdle (2½ miles)
Sailed Away and Heritier appear to be the justifiable clear market leaders, with the former in particular arriving in good shape after some recent near misses and looking the worthy favourite now that he is taking on lesser company.
The two principals’ short prices have helped boost the odds of their 10 rivals, and horses never know they are outsiders, of course, so with four places widely available (as many as five for anyone who shops around), there are plenty with claims of making the expanded frame at a good price.
Of those, Brandt started life under Gordon Elliott’s wing, offering some promise in a couple of early bumpers, and has made steady progress since his switch to Henry Oliver, making the six-year-old look interesting on his handicap debut after a a best-yet fourth in a novice hurdle last time out three months ago.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Brandt finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
However, causing a flurry of activity among Tipstrr’s each-way pundits is Joanne Foster’s capable but temperamentally inconsistent Ballynagran, who has been pulled up more often than he has crossed the finishing line in his nine outings over the last year.
In between the setbacks, however, the nine-year-old has won two of his last five completions, including in a three-mile chase at this venue, so clearly stamina should not be an issue over a shorter trip in the current testing conditions.
He also returns to hurdles after 11 attempts over fences, so it will be interesting to see how easily he reverts to smaller obstacles under Craig Nichol, who has partnered Ballynagran before and should be well-equipped to get the best out of his ride here.
Suggested best bet: Ballynagran each-way in the 17:10 at Wetherby
- Tip advised by The Profit Rocket on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Taunton racing tips: Best bets for Thursday February 29
