Jumps horse racing at Down Royal and Wetherby this weekend
I am dealing with the Jumps cards this weekend on a separate post simply because I will be watching rather than betting on any of the races over obstacles this weekend.
A number of big names will be making their seasonal reappearance but are either too short to back or, in my opinion, you are better off leaving alone as punting over the jumps at this time of year can be a minefield.
Across the Irish Sea at Down Royal Zanahiyr will be out in the Grade Two WKD Hurdle on Friday and long odds-on to win. One of last season's leading novice hurdlers he should win hard held.
They race at Down Royal on Saturday as well where they host the Grade One 3m Ladbrokes Champion Steeplechase at 2.50. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo will face King George VI Chase winner Frodon and the improving National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase victor Galvin in an intriguing race. Galvin has the fitness edge having won a G.3 earlier this month on his seasonal reappearance and though he has a bit to find on his more experienced rivals it will be interesting to see how he goes. Gordon Elliott also run Delta Work and Ravenhill. Envoi Allen will be long odds-on in the Grade Two Join Racing TV Chase at 3.25.
Wetherby is the centre of the Jumps game in the UK this weekend with the three-mile Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase the race of the day at 3.05 with last year's winner Cyrname making his seasonal reappearance. He failed to shine in two runs subsequently and has undergone wind surgery again over the Summer. Earlier on the card they have the Grade Two bet365 Hurdle in which Paisley Park will kick-off his campaign.
The bets for this weekend will be up later on a separate post.