We had a frustrating day with Hajjam losing by a head and More Bucks leading all the way and being run out of it up the run in with the pair well clear.
This was still a profit on the day, but it could have been so much more!
Moving onto Sunday I have two picks, one I am putting up now, the other will be sometime after 7am.
Novano – 2.15 Tramore – 2M Handicap Hurdle – 66/1 Skybet – 1 Point Each Way.
The 9 year old, Ex-German gelding, Novano was Listed class on the flat postmarking a high of 105 over middle distances and was bought by Irish connections to go jumping.
He achieved 115 in his maiden hurdles back in 2017 and was consistently postmarking around 110 during 2018. Unfortunately he suffered an injury which kept him off the track for almost two seasons, only returning after lockdown in July 2020.
As with most long term injuries horses can take multiple runs to regain full fitness and wellbeing.
Novano ran three times in 2020 and progressed with each run without ever troubling the judge before having the winter off.
He changed to W J Burke’s yard during 2020 and must been showing something at home as he opened up at 7/1 on his 2021 debut and was backed into 9/2 but faded late on. The post-race write up indicated Novano was still carrying condition, so this was a promising first run.
Novano didn’t have much luck on his subsequent three starts, slipping up independently, then also being hampered two starts back before running on. He was backed on three of his last four starts and staying on from the rear far too late.
On his latest start connections sent him novice chasing, where he drifted in the betting, and Philip Enright gave him a classic education ride out the back. From a wellbeing point of view this was a nice outing and in time I’m sure he will get a low chasing mark that can be exploited.
I think Novano is quite a tricky ride and has to be delivered late. When there was money for him they used Darragh O’Keefe and also an inexperienced 7lb claimer, but I feel neither positioned him well enough to get the win.
However today connections bring in 7lb claimer Jack Foley, who you know I rate. He was on Aunty Audrey for us on Friday and gave her a great ride, judging the pace well to pick off the leaders going into the final hurdle. I feel a similar ride is what is needed today.
Novano is now down to a handicap mark of 86 from a high of 112 (before his injury). He has already postmarked 96 this year, off a handicap mark of 90 (no claimer on board). With Jack’s 7lb claim Novano runs off a net 79 today and so has every chance.
Novano rates exceptional value at 66/1 with Skybet who also offer 5 places in this 16 runner field, and I recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 16/1.
