Drop In Class To Suit Young Hurdler

Horse Racing

Racing365
March 9, 2019 10:46 am

Valentine’s Day A Little Late In Scotland

An improving young hurdler making his way in handicaps can be an ongoing investment until the weight impost catches up with him and we might have a candidate for the first part today.

BUSTER VALENTINE makes his handicap debut in the Caledonia Best Handicap Hurdle at Ayr this afternoon, having already won over this course in a novice event last November.

A point-to-point winner in Ireland, the six-year-old followed his Ayr win with another at Newcastle before being sent to Cheltenham before Christmas for a Grade 2 event where he ran a cracker to be second to previous winner and Festival entry Birchdale.

He showed a great attitude there as well as the nimbleness to avoid the last hurdle faller Brewin’upastorm, another that goes for a big race this week.

The third, Jarveys Plate had previously won at Cheltenham, so the form, taken to an Ayr handicap, stands up.

Top on BTO regular and third on speed ratings, the gelding also gets three positives, including a trainer/jockey combination (Jefferson/Brooke) at the course that is 151% better than expected.

ETERNALLY YOURS brings winning form into the race but is up nine pounds, SILVA ECLIPSE is being backed and TOO MANY CHEFS is best in four of the twelve criteria, but at 4/1 in a 12 horse field, Buster looks an each-way bet to nothing.

G Lees