2.30pm Wetherby Tips & Betting Preview 24/01/2017

Eight runners go to post for this 3m staying chase at Wetherby. Read on for our expert analysis, runner by runner guide and free tip.

IN SUMMARY: An intriguing contest in which a valid case for all runners can be made. Dream Flyer made a pleasing start for his new stable when winning a slightly easier looking contest than this at Musselburgh earlier in the month. With Micky Hammond’s yard going much better of later Oscar O’Scar has claims on the peak of last year’s form while the elder statesmen of the field Buffalo Ballet will be of interest to many after a good start to his chasing career last time out. However, Neil Mulholland’s Fingerontheswitch looks very interesting on his old hurdling form and, in an easier race than he’s been contesting, looks the one to side with here.

1 FINGERONTHESWITCH – This is a much easier assignment than he’s faced recently and he looks on a good mark based on old hurdles form. With the tongue strap added and down in class today looks like a good opportunity to open his account over fences.

2 HUGHESIE – Has a chase win to his name but that is the only win of his career. Hasn’t gone on since, pulled up and last but one on his next two runs. Switched to hurdles since but has fared no better. Needs to improve for the return to fences and cheekpieces.

3 OSCAR O’SCAR – Hasn’t fired on two outings this season and there are doubts as to whether he’s crying out for 3m. Has two wins and a place from his seven chase runs so far though and place claims with his yard in much better form now.

4 BUFFALO BALLET – Lightly raced 11 year old who only made his chase debut last month. Has some decent hurdling form in the book and ran to a similar level over fences. With the expected improvement and the step up in distance in his favour he has claims.

5 SHARNEY SIKE – An experienced chaser who boasts the most wins in this field with 5 from his 15 starts. Still looked to retain some ability after 20 months off the track last time out and a live danger at a bigger price if that has sharpened him up.

6 DREAM FLYER – Likely to be popular from a betting perspective after winning nicely on his first start for Keith Dalgleish earlier this month and his record of 2 wins from 3 runs at the track is another big plus. He did jump out to his left last time out though and needs to shrug off the extra 7lb for that win.

7 SWING HARD – Another who looked to need the run on reappearance last time out. Knows how to win after back to back successes at Carlisle last term and now 1lb lower than his last winning mark. Dangerous if finding last season’s best form on his second start of the campaign.

8 BORIC – Twice a winner over fences. Pulled up on seasonal reappearance here in October followed by a decent enough effort in 3rd next time. Hasn’t backed that up the last twice though and questions to answer today.