Bilghty Worth A Bet On Chase Debut At Market Rasen

The standard of racing so far this week has been average, but as the weekend approaches the quality improves. Tomorrow I am backing one at Market Rasen, and I think Breath Of Blighty could benefit from the step up to 2m5f in the 2.35, a class 3 handicap chase. This 5yo son of Policy Maker is making his handicap and chasing debut, and he could be potentially well treated off a mark of 115.

This gelding had a couple of mishaps on his first two starts in point to points, but he made it third time lucky when winning by 4L at Barbury (20f gd). He changed hands at the sales for a cool £50k, and he didn't show much on his first three starts for Paul Webber.

Paul Webber Has A Decent Record At Market Rasen

However, he took a big step forward on his fourth start in a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon (16f gd/sft), staying on well for 2nd, 7L behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Buveur D'Air at 33/1. He was sent off at just 6/1 next time out at Warwick, but he was well beaten over 16f on good ground.

He produced a much more encouraging run on his final start of last season, again in a maiden hurdle, at Kempton. He finished 3rd, beaten just over 7L for the win, but less than 2L behind subsequent Class 3 novice winner Cultivator (rpr 130), and 15L ahead of Tour De Ville, a horse that hosed up by 7L in a handicap off 100 on his last start.

Breath Of Blighty was sent off at just 7/2 on his seasonal reappearance in a maiden at Stratford (16.5f gd), but he was badly outpaced as the race took shape and he was left behind in 5th, beaten 12L. He should strip a lot fitter with that run behind him, and his pedigree offers hope that he will benefit from the step up in trip.

He is a half-brother to the very useful Paul Nicholl's trained staying chaser Virak and he is a Grade 2 winner over 24f. His sire, Policy Maker, was operating in France but he now stands in Ireland. His best known jumper would be useful chaser Art Mauresque, and he has shown his best form at around 21f.

Richie McClernon has been booked for the ride, and his quiet style could suit this horse. He has won on 7 of his 61 rides for Webber, placing on another 11 (30% strike rate of hitting the frame). Webber has had 119 runners at Market Rasen, with 19 winners and 18 places (31%).

Breath Of Blighty can currently be backed at odds of 20/1, and that price looks a bit too big to me. If he follows in the hoofsteps of his half-brother Virak, he could reward each way support off bottom weight in an open looking handicap chase.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 2.35 MARKET RASEN-BREATH OF BLIGHTY E/W 20/1