Paul Kealy’s Top Bet at Wincanton
Paul Nicholls has a remarkable history at Wincanton, winning the 3.30 race eleven times. This year, his horse Threeunderthrufive stands out as a strong contender. Having finished second in this race two years ago, he is known for consistently performing well when fresh.
However, another horse, Soul Icon, may be the one to watch. Despite my initial hesitation to back him due to his entry in the Haldon Gold Cup, he has now received confirmation to run in Wincanton. This will be his first attempt at a distance of 3 miles and 1.5 furlongs, which adds a layer of uncertainty to his performance.
Race Analysis: Key Contenders
- Threeunderthrufive: A seasoned competitor with a strong record at Wincanton.
- Soul Icon: Previously beat the notable horse Edwardstone in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase.
Although Soul Icon’s stamina over this new distance is unproven, his past performances indicate potential. Last season, he tackled a similar challenge at 2m5½f in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen. His pedigree supports his capability, as his dam is a half-sister to a 3m4f winner.
Performance Under Conditions
Soul Icon performs best on quicker ground, meaning he is well-suited to the expected conditions at Wincanton. Trainer Keiran Burke has secured the services of top-rated jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell, who boasts an impressive 21 percent strike rate. The use of a claiming jockey has proven fruitful, with four of the last eight winners coming from this group.
As this race approaches, keep an eye on both Threeunderthrufive and Soul Icon. Their records and recent form make them key contenders for victory in this prestigious horse racing event at Wincanton.
