Alan Dudman landed a place double yesterday with a winner and a third at a BSP of 19.83. His two bets run at Hexham on Wednesday...
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Alan landed an each-way double yesterday
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Two Hexham picks both act in heavy
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Bebside Banter got his chasing career off to the perfect start last time with a debut win over the fences at Sedgefield, and he should justify his position as the 2/13.00 favourite for the 12:45.
He achieved little over hurdles in 10 starts over a variety of trips, but I couldn't knock the way he jumped at Sedgefield last time and he put a lot of pressure on Breeze Of Wind that day - who re-opposes this afternoon.
Indeed, Breeze Of Wind is a strong traveller and is clearly well treated, but that is also a plus for Bebside Banter - who beat him comfortably. I think he's the stronger stayer.
The times suggested it was more heavy rather than soft at Sedgefield and the fact he won over 2m5f there is a plus down to a very taxing 2m4f today at Hexham.
I often say Sedgefield form travels well and while a 7lb rise is fair, he could turn out to be a much better chaser. That certainly was evident with his jumping last time.
It's a fairly short price double today with two fancied horses both at 9/43.25, although Travail D'Orfevre drifted a little on the Sportsbook this morning from 7/42.75.
The 7yo has two pieces of recent form at Carlisle that show he handles testing ground well. While he did win last time on his return from a break, his effort previously at Carlisle in March was in the Go North Series Final - and that was a better run in defeat.
Indeed the pace was strong in that race and had he not been impeded, might have got closer, but it was a fine effort to finish third. He certainly stayed well in the heavy conditions.
His victory recently was a slowly run race and very messy, but I liked that March run with the way he was outpaced and stayed.