Chepstow 4.30
Chepstow 4.30 - 2 miles 3 1/2 furlong Handicap Hurdle - Class 3 (17 declared)
The Going at Chepstow yesterday deteriorated and the soft of this morning could turn heavy with further rain expected, proper winter NH Going!. That slightly puts me off Paul Nicholls exciting prospect Greaneteen who may have soft Going form in pedigree but disappointed on sole soft ground run here in UK last season. I can't see them wanting to bottom this horse out early season and will look for more tangible and stronger Course and Going form.
The Cotswold neighbours Twiston-Davies and O'Brien both have their horses in good early season form, no doubt down to softer Going than we have seen in recent years at this stage and that means they have had plenty of work at home. Both BALLYANDY and COOLANLY have form on soft Going, both have proven to be able to run well fresh too and off 213 and 171 days off respectively should give us a very good run for our money with enhanced places available. The Going may have turned against last years winner Garo De Juilley but that one may be worth noting in case we get some drier weather before real winter sets in