Saturday 14th October 2017

It’s good to see decent jumps racing this afternoon and some familiar names making their seasonal debuts. Finian’s Oscar would be the standout horse on show. The Colin Tizzard trained, dual Grade 1 hurdles winner lines up in 3:05 at Chepstow.

Finian’s Oscar makes his chase debut today, you would expect him to make high rank over a fence. He’s already won a p2p and could develop into a JLT type for the Cheltenham Festival. At odds of 4-11, he's one for the big hitters only. He shoud outclass his rivals.

On the level at Newmarket I’m looking forward to seeing Expert Eye.

This exciting colt by Acclamation is held in the highest by the Sir Michael Stoute yard, connections think he’s top class. US Navy Flag will bid to make a race of it and give Expert Eye something to think about. I hope Expect Eye wins and enhancers his reputation.

The Cesarewitch is the big punting race of the day. 34 runners over two miles two furlongs. Our syndicate trainer’s Dr Newland & David Pipe have rare flat runners, Duke Street & Friday Night Light.

Duke Street will certainly get the distance but would have to find a fair few pounds. Hopefully both horses can run well.

My lucky pins has fallen on Snow Falcon EW at 25-1. Second in the Irish version last week, a repeat of that effort would put him bang in contention for this. The worry is this outing might come a bit quick. Withhold for Roger Charlton "8-1" could be very well in and looks to have been saved for this race. If betting do shop around as 8 places are on offer.

Big Country "6-1 EW" 2:05 York & Alpine Secret 2:50 Hexham "5-1 EW" should both run well.

Nothing went right for Big Country in the Cambridgeshire, he was left in no man’s land from the draw and raced on the outside of the stands side group with no cover. Back at York on a racecourse he’s ran and won at this season plus a very good second, I hope we can see a big run from Big Country. Lewis Edmunds takes a handy 3lb off.

It looks significant trainer Ben Pauling sends just the one horse to Hexham. Alpine Secret makes his chase debut in what looks a very winnable contest. On hurdle form he’s the best horse in the race. You would have thought connections won’t be sending him on a very long journey just for a spin round, the going could be a concern.