RACING fan Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bets from Saturday's racing action.
1:35 Chepstow
The Future Champions Juvenile Hurdle is the first grade 1 of the season for the juvenile hurdlers and the soft ground has contributed to a smaller than usual field. Five line up and the betting suggests there are four in with a good chance.
We Have A Dream is favourite and he's two from two since joining Nicky Henderson's yard. He was impressive in winning a grade 2 at Cheltenham and is the one to beat here. However, this ground is very different to what he's won on (although he did race on it in France) and he's too short in the betting here.
Famous Milly won well on heavy ground at Aintree where they came home at long intervals. It's hard to weigh up that performance but her ability to handle the ground is a big plus and she holds claims in this race.
Sussex Ranger is unbeaten over hurdles and has won impressively both times. He was a good sort on the flat and doesn't have much to find with We Have A Dream. He's manged to win on soft previously in his career and I believe he will be okay in these conditions. I've backed him for this.
Chepstow 2:05
The Welsh Grand National is ran over 3 miles 6 furlongs and on the heavy ground is going to be a real war of attrition. Their stamina is likely to be pushed to the limits here, so I've backed one who looks like a dogged stayer.
Wild West Wind has won three from four over fences and has form on heavy ground. He shapes as if the additional distance will be in his favour however this is a big step up in class and I feel it may just be too much for him.
Chase The Spud is in the form of his life, has won his last two starts including a Midlands National so he is certainly of interest here. He's higher in the weights now than he ever has been but I expect him to pick up some place money here.
Beware the Bear is three from five over fences and looks the sort who will appreciate this test. He has won previously on heavy and doesn't seem to do anything quickly. The stable is flying and as long as his jumping holds up early on, he's my idea of an each way selection.
Best Bets
1:35 Chepstow – Sussex Ranger (10/3 – Sky Bet)
2:05 Chepstow – Beware The Bear each-way (14/1 – Sporting Bet)
