Follow The Money: Small stable to strike with Shantou at Fontwell

Can we score over obstacles at Fontwell?

Today's Follow The Money Movers come from the meetings at Uttoxeter, Fontwell and York...

We start at Uttoxeter where Its Oscar has drifted out to 2.962/1 from 2.77/4 in the betting for the 14:25 2m Maiden Hurdle. Donald McCain's six-year-old has some solid handicap form in the book and the stable sent out a four-timer yesterday. However, Its Oscar has failed to win in 10 starts over timber, the standard of what he has achieved is only fair and there have been plenty of unconvincing performances along the way including his last trip to this track when only beating one home. Its Oscar looks a vulnerable favorite and worth taking on at the prices with a couple of interesting newcomers lining up against him.

At Fontwell, Shantou Breeze has been supported in to 3.814/5 from 6.25/1 for the 14:35 Novice Handicap Chase, run over 2m2f. Michael Madgwick's 6yo has not exactly looked a natural over fences in his three starts to date but he was decent over hurdles and a race like this should be within his capabilities. The rain-softened going should not inconvenience him as he has acted well in the past with cut in the ground and the drop back to this trip will be more to his liking after being tried over further. His jumping needs to improve but the small stable do noticeably well with chasers at this venue.

Finally we go up to York for the 16:25 5f Novice Stakes in which Extortionist has been backed dramatically in to 4.67/2 from an earlier 6.411/2. Olly Stephens' colt could go well today for a yard that has sent out three 2yo winners from nine runners in his first season. He attracted support ahead of his debut at Nottingham and did the job well, winning comfortably by almost three lengths. Bits of that form have begun to work out and the trainer is sure to have him fitter for this assignment. Clearly this is a step up in class, all his rivals have a win to their name and favorite Steventon Star represents the formidable Hannon yard, but the market confidence behind him suggests he is up to the task.

                
Recommended Bets
Lay Its Oscar @ 2.962/1 Uttoxeter 14:25
Back Shantou Breeze @ 3.814/5 Fontwell 14:35
Back Extortionist @ 4.67/2 York 16:25