Oliver Barnard's Punt Acca: A Trio of Promising Picks
Barnard's expert eye has landed on three horses with compelling narratives and impressive potential. But will they deliver?
Kocktail Blue (1.30 Kelso):
This young horse, trained by Chris Gordon, is a rising star. Despite being just six years old, he's already shown remarkable talent. At Wetherby, he finished second to the highly regarded Baron Noir, a contender for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. This was only his third hurdle race, and he had previously won his debut at Fakenham against Roi Du Risk, who went on to win his next race. Kocktail Blue's versatility is evident, as he finished sixth in a longer race but improved significantly when returning to a 2-mile distance, which he'll run again at Kelso. With heavy going expected, being the first race of the day might be an advantage. Last year, he narrowly lost to Idaho Sun in a soft-ground bumper, showing he can handle the conditions.
Swingin Safari (2.20 Fakenham):
Paul Nicholls, a trainer in top form this month, is backing Swingin Safari. Although the six-year-old struggled against Baron Noir, finishing 17 lengths behind, the upcoming race at Fakenham offers a class drop and softer conditions, which could showcase his true abilities. He previously won at Wincanton, displaying stamina, and has the pedigree to excel in longer races. Swingin Safari is closely related to Tiny Tantrum, who achieved their sole career victory over 2m6f on heavy ground, suggesting a family affinity for these conditions.
Love Of Neymore (3.10 Chepstow):
Trained by Robbie Llewellyn, this eight-year-old mare has a special affinity for Chepstow, winning twice and placing third in her three starts there. Her career-best Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 120 was achieved at this track. She then finished third at Cheltenham on New Year's Day behind Ma Shantou, who later won a Grade 2 race and recorded an impressive RPR of 155, enhancing Love Of Neymore's form. Last year, she placed third in this very race, and her recent improvement suggests she could turn the tables on the previous winner.
And now, the controversy: Are these picks truly as solid as they seem? Or is there an underdog waiting to surprise us? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the strategies behind these selections. Will Barnard's Punt Acca pay off?
