Worth a Shot!

The weather could play a big role in this one. Worcester was officially “good” on Sunday morning when I was studying the card, but with all that rain around, we’re probably looking at good-to-soft by race time. Monday itself should be dry and breezy, but the damage may already be done.

Dan Skelton sends five runners into this hot 2m4f Paul Ferguson Handicap Chase – and they’re all in with a shout. The market (and jockey bookings) will tell you plenty about which one the yard fancies most.

Mickey Bowen’s Courtland has solid form, finishing second in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen, but he wouldn’t want too much cut in the ground. Sean Bowen takes over in the saddle, which is always a positive.

That said, I keep coming back to SNIPE. If Harry Skelton had the pick, this looks like the one he wanted – and for good reason. All three of Snipe’s career wins have come with some ease in the ground, and he stays further than this trip, which could be a big plus if conditions get testing. He ran a cracker on seasonal debut last year over 3m+ on soft ground, and he still looks fairly treated by the handicapper. Sure, he’s had a few quirks in the past, but the ability is definitely there.

There should be plenty of early pace with Jet Plane and Sail Away (both Skelton’s) liking to get on with it, but softer ground won’t help their cause. If things pan out as expected, this could be set up perfectly for Snipe to pounce late.

After a fairly quiet weekend of jumps action, this race is a proper Monday treat – and don’t be surprised if it turns into a Skelton family benefit! Suggested bet - 1pt EW Snipe 2:00 Worcester (Nap) 9/1 available with a few firms but may be a better option taking the Skybet price and getting 4 places.

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