3 minute read

Sam King returns with two selections on Tuesday…

In truth, it's tricky to get excited about the two cards in England today, which feature low-grade stuff throughout at Southwell and Sedgefield.

However, there do look to be a couple of fair betting opportunities with the first coming in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Southwell (2.40).

Dan Skelton's mare Elle Est Beau looked set to open her account before crashing out in a more competitive novices' handicap hurdle at Sandown last January and although it's fair to say she holds a rather inconsistent profile; there's little doubt she has the ability to score off the same mark of 98.

She ran a blinder to finish third behind the now 122-rated Pretending in a handicap hurdle at the same venue in December and if back to anywhere near that form on her reappearance, this daughter of Walk In The Park could take the world of beating now entering Class 5 company with first-time cheekpieces applied.

WIN - Elle Est Beau

Odds – 6/5

We turn to Sedgefield for our second wager. The Vickers.Bet Independent Family Owned Bookmaker Handicap Chase (3.00) looks like one of the betting punting races on the card and I'm surprised Bebside Banter isn't at the top of the market.

He took his record to 1211 in handicap chases at Sedgefield when beating the reopposing The Paddy Pie over course and distance three weeks ago. Chris Grant's relatively unexposed six-year-old was having his first outing of the season that day, leaving the impression that there could be more to come, especially at the Durham venue.

With a soft lead out in front a distinct possibility, a 6lb rise in the weights might not be enough damage to prevent him from following up and adding to an already excellent course record.

WIN - Bebside Banter

Odds – 10/3