Barry Geraghty’s William Hill blog: Gino looks Alright value in the Cotswold

William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty looks ahead to a top-class Saturday of racing action from Cheltenham and Doncaster.

Cheltenham, Saturday

The Triumph Trial (12:05pm) looks a match to me. Sir Gino was impressive in Kempton last time on his first start in England, having won in Auteuil. To me he looked like a horse that was still green and I’d expect a good bit of improvement from him. I think BURDETT ROAD overcame an awful lot to win at Cheltenham last time, when Harry Cobden did brilliantly on him. He was keen and his jumping was only adequate early on and he had a lot of ground to make up from the second last, but he did it with ease. The second has franked that form, and I think Burdett Road is going to learn to settle and hurdle better, so he’d be the one for me.

GINNY’S DESTINY (12:40pm) was probably fortunate to beat Grey Dawning last time, but he seems to be progressing and stepping up with each run. Grey Dawning was impressive in going on to win at Warwick too, so the form looks strong.

IL RIDOTO (1:15pm) ran a brilliant race last time and was unlucky to just be caught by Fugitif on the line. He has gone up five pounds for that, but he was over nine lengths clear of Frero Banbou in third, so it was a big performance. The danger might be Excello, who is only a five-year-old, but he won impressively at Ascot last time and is a horse with lots of potential.

There are plenty of angles to what is an excellent renewal of the Cotswold Chase (1:50pm). Royale Pagaille’s best form is on soft ground and I don’t think Bravemansgame was anywhere near his best when he beat him at Haydock, so I wouldn’t be getting carried away with that form. For me it’s a big step up for Stay Away Fay tackling open company for the first time, around Cheltenham on only his third start over fences, and taking on a quality field, so I’d have my concerns for him. The Real Whacker needs to do better than he did at Kempton and with Ahoy Senor in the race I’m not sure he’s going to get it his own way in front. I think the outsiders are interesting here, and DATSALRIGHTGINO looks overpriced on what he did at Newbury in December. Better ground will suit him well and I can see him running a big race. Capodanno is also interesting, as a Grade 1 winner from a couple of years back. He has had an intermittent time of it, but he ran a good race at Leopardstown last time and he’s not without a chance.

All being well JONBON shouldn’t have a problem in the rescheduled Clarence House (2:25pm). James Bowen takes over in the saddle, which won’t be an issue as he’s an excellent rider and will have schooled Jonbon plenty of times at home. Editeur Du Gite beat Energumene and Edwardstone to win this race last season and looks the only real danger.

Up next is The International Hurdle (3:00pm). Lossiemouth was really impressive last season, with an imposing Triumph Hurdle victory at the Festival. Willie (Mullins) hasn’t been in a rush to get her back out since her Punchestown run back in April and if she proves the potential that she showed last season then she’ll be the one to beat on paper. However, the value could be with LOVE ENVOI, who is getting two pounds off Lossiemouth. She also has the benefit of a run and is proven at this level.

The Cleeve Hurdle (3:35pm) looks almost like a veterans’ race. Last time at Ascot, Dashel Drasher dictated the pace but didn’t go as quickly as he usually can which I don’t think suited the likes of PAISLEY PARK, who ran a big race in following Crambo home. That performance was a great reflection of his well-being. Emma Lavelle has won this race three times with the gelding in the past, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a four-timer.

Harry Fry has an interesting horse in the Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle (4:10pm) in the form of Gidleigh Park, and he looks like the one to beat. My selection at the prices though is JOHNNYWHO, who was only two lengths behind Captain Teague at Newbury in the Challow and that’s the best form on offer.

Doncaster, Saturday

JERIKO DU REPONET runs in the Supreme Trial (1:30pm) and has been very impressive to date, although he hasn’t had too much to beat. He’s tough to oppose, but it’s worth mentioning Lump Sum for the Sam Thomas team, who’s three from four and could apply some pressure.

The Mares’ Hurdle (2:05pm) sees two Mullins’ horses at the top of the market. Ashroe Diamond is a superb seven-year-old, however I do have a question mark surrounding the trip and 2 miles around Doncaster proving to be too sharp, which leads me to side with her stablemate GALA MARCEAU.

Destroytheevidence just got caught at Cheltenham last time by Shanagh Bob and that’s strong form. Paul Nicholls’ WELCOM TO CARTRIES (2:40pm) has a big reputation and won impressively at Ascot last time though, so he might be the one to side with here.

The one I liked in a highly competitive Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (3:15pm) is another of Paul Nicholls’ in the form of KANDOO KID. He was second behind Djelo in Grade 2 company last time and before that beat a strong rival in Frero Banbou over 2m4f. Stepping up in trip should benefit him and these are the type of races that the Nicholls yard like to farm, so he looks to offer a good bit of value in an open race.