HORSE RACING expert Jake Russell (@JakeRuss1000) shares his his daily NAP with his best Friday bet arriving from Fakenham.
3.50 Fakenham | Friday 14th February 2020
Friday's NAP comes from Fakenham in the 2m 7f Class 4 Handicap Hurdle at 3:50, with the selection being Dundrum Wood (3/1 SkyBet).
The Olly Murphy mount is already a winner under rules this season, and what a comfortable and impressive win that was. After what was quite a lacklustre debut, he appeared rather one-paced, but that was his first start of the season so can be dismissed. His debut run was only at 2m that day, and he clearly showed the step up to 2m2 f on his second start would suit better and made amends that day.
This horse's last run was quite impressive – he ran off the second favourite at 7/4, but won like an odds-on shot. After making all the running he ran away with the race, as he was kicked on three out by Aiden Coleman and was left clear of the others at the last two jumps, before powering on to the line to win by a very impressive and comfortable 14 lengths, showing the step up in trip was well suited .
Dundrum Wood is up against a classy Venetia Williams horse who may go off favourite, but I just feel the step up to 2m 7f will suit our selection a lot better, as he looks like he could be a fairly one-paced individual who is calling for a longer trip again.
Now talking about this horse's pointing background, he only went on to beat another good looking Olly Murphy type in his second pointer, none other than Notre Pari, who is very well liked by connections and was quite unlucky as he fell in the listed Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton a few weeks back. However, Notre Pari won a warm Class 2 at Aintree before this fall. Cracking form for our selection, in my eyes.
Young Fergus Gregory gets the ride as his 3lb claim will prove very useful in putting our selection on terms weight-wise with the favourite. In fact, it puts us 1lb better off. A talented jockey who will go places with the guidance of a super talented trainer, With some quality horses at his yard.
Speaking of Olly Murphy, I'm sure he is still buzzing after getting his first Grade 1 a few weeks back, and this is shown in how well his horses are running – he is operating with a 34% strike rate over the last 14 days – a yard in cracking form.
A decent little race this, and hopefully we will see our selection show his talent and get the job done impressively. Although, all that matters though is that all horse's and jockeys come home safe and sound, ready for Cheltenham in a few weeks.
Best Bets
3:50 Fakenham – Dundrum Wood (3/1 SkyBet)
