3.45pm Chepstow Tips & Betting Preview 29/08/2016

Our race preview takes a look at a Seller at Chepstow on Monday afternoon. Although this may look quite uninspiring, see our betting tips below to uncover the value in a contest that could well provide an interesting finish.

IN SUMMARY: Istimraar is an interesting runner, returning to the flat after 491 days competing at a much lower level than he was previously. However, he will probably want further and preference is for ROCKCLIFFE. Channon’s gelding has been running well off a mark that has been pretty tough and this softer ground will not be an issue. Dropping back into Class 6 company will suit and should run well as he remains capable of better.

1 EDGE – Hasn’t been disgraced in handicap company, but judging on recent recorded efforts he is weighted very unfavourably against these. Finished 3rd at Ffos Las on Friday (8f, Good) and won the time before at Salisbury (8f, Soft) so is entitled to run well and this softer ground wont be a problem.

2 ISTIMRAAR – Posted a very average effort over jumps on first run for his new yard and its hard to gauge his flat ability when the last run was 491 days ago. He was competing in much harder company when last seen but not making much impact, so its probable he was just punching above his weight. Could run well but is a risky proposition today.

3 SCENT OF POWER – Drops back into plating level after some average efforts in handicap company. Her previous plating form reads well, as she has finished 2nd (10f, Soft) and 1st (10f, Good to Firm) at Leicester. Is entitled to go well but may need to step up on those handicap efforts, Hollie Doyle takes off a handy 3lb which aids her cause.

4 BOUTAN – Has been pretty competitive in Leicester sellers, latest when 3rd earlier in the month (7f, Good to Firm). Goes up in distance and didn’t run well the only other time he’s attempted this far which poses a question mark and pedigree doesn’t suggest this trip will suit. Could struggle.

5 ROCKLIFFE – Has been running well lately in handicaps off what looks like a tough mark, latest when 4th of 5 in Class 5 company at Bath (10f, Firm). The drop into Class 6 plating company may well suit and David Egan takes off a handy 5lb’s to further aide his cause. Pedigree suggests he should be capable of better and a good run should be on the cards.

6 VIRTUAL SONG – Its hard to recommend a horse who has beaten 4 horses out of a total of 50 in his career. No worthwhile form over the course of his career and is impossible to recommend as he still goes off of 8st7, which looks incredibly harsh even against this company.