3.45pm Wetherby Tips & Betting Preview 18/10/2017

3.45pm Wetherby tips for Wednesday’s Class 3 race. A field of eight go to post for this 2m 3f Handicap Chase, with several big yards represented. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: There is no doubt that, at his best, Delusionofgrandeur wouldn’t be far away, but he was well beaten on his latest start and is entitled to need this run after having the summer off. Preference, however, is for MONBEG RIVER who has proven that he goes well fresh and his consistency will stand him in good stead here. He wasn’t beaten far off top weight at this venue on his latest start and he should have no problem winning this on his seasonal debut.

1 BALLOTIN – Multiple winner in France for the Macaire yard, last seen in May finishing third at Auteuil. He’s now joined the Hobbs yard for his British career and he’s unlikely to be far away, although he could have done with some rain.

3 KATGARY – Running brilliantly earlier this year for Pauline Robson, but things have gone astray since, well held at Cartmel when last seen in a strung-out field. His current mark isn’t beyond him, but there has to be question marks.

4 DEFINITE FUTURE – Has won five times since July 2016, with the drop back to two miles counting against him at Worcester last month. He’ll be much happier at this distance and he’s not handicapped out of things, so has strong each way claims with conditions to suit.

5  STRAIDNAHANNA – Very strong stayer for Sue Smith who won at the 3m 5f distance at Catterick in January, making his seasonal debut here. He is entitled to need this run and this trip is inadequate, so he can only be watched.

6 DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR – Has won three of his last five starts, although back in handicap company on his latest start he was well beaten at Ayr. He’s only a pound lower and needed his seasonal debut last season, so others are preferred.

7 MONBEG RIVER – Hasn’t been seen since a third over course and distance in January, not beaten far off top weight. He’s a pound lower here and is more than capable off this mark. He goes well fresh and should be tough to beat for Martin Todhunter.

8 AFTER HOURS – Has finished second on five of his last six runs, readily outpaced at Warwick back in March. He’s on the same mark here and is entitled to need this run after an absence, so isn’t one to be invested in today.

Non-Runners

2 GABRIAL THE GREAT – Arrives here in good heart for David Pipe, finishing second over hurdles when last seen. He was running well over fences beforehand and has his conditions today, but he isn’t the heartiest of battlers and that leaves him vulnerable in a tight finish.