Jane Mangan’s William Hill Blog: Hoping Arc can shine a Light

Chepstow, Saturday

Only five runners in the two-mile handicap chase (3.43pm). It’s going to be a proper test and that should suit Saint Segal. He unseated at the first last time but it was his start three runs ago which is the one to focus on. He looked to have the measure of both Boothill and Quel Destin before he came down and a repeat here would likely make him hard to beat.

Kempton, Saturday

The betting for the Pendil Novices’ Chase (2.27pm) is headed by Tahmuras for Harry Cobden and Paul Nicholls. The duo look set for a big Saturday, but I came down on the mare Arclight. She’s won her last three and I think there’s still improvement to come. The form of her win last time at Wincanton has been franked and I can see her serving it up to the boys.

Fairyhouse, Saturday

I can see In The Trenches going well for Gavin Cromwell in the two-mile handicap hurdle (2.03pm). He was second last time at Limerick on similarly testing ground and Conor Stone-Walsh’s valuable five-pound claim only enhances his claims. The Cromwell herd continues to go great guns.

It’s very hard to look past Intense Raffles in the Rated Novice Chase (4.25pm). He beat Where It All Began in January and that horse has come out and won the Grand National Trial subsequently, so the form has substance. He’ll probably be a short price, but that looks justified.

Naas, Sunday

The Pertemps Qualifier (3.55pm) looks an open contest with plenty having interesting profiles. Gordon Elliott has five in it and the one I like is handicap debutant Cleatus Poolaw. Danny Gilligan takes off five pounds which is a big help and he comes into this after an impressive win at this track. Stepping up in trip shouldn’t be a problem and he could still be under the radar in terms of his exposure to the handicapper.

17 go to the post for the two-mile handicap hurdle (3.25pm) and the one I like is down the bottom in the form of Intent Approach. He caught my eye at Punchestown where his jumping was a bit inadequate and I expect he’ll improve for the experience. If he can, he’s bred to like this type of ground and could go nicely at a likely decent price.