In the Bet365 West Yorkshire Hurdle (2.45) at Wetherby on Saturday, former winning point-to-pointer Ballyoptic made excellent progress over hurdles last season, culminating win a game win from subsequent Grade One winner Bellshill in the Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, over an extended 3 miles, at Aintree last April. The King’s Theatre gelding demonstrated his well being with another game win in the Totepool Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle, over 2 miles 3½ furlongs, at Chepstow three weeks ago and, stepping back up in distance, must take all the beating. The going at Wetherby is currently good but, with an unsettled forecast for the rest of the week, some easing of the ground is a distinct possibility. Any rain that falls is in his favour, but he should run his race regardless of the weather in West Yorkshire and he looks a worthy favourite.
Selection: Wetherby 2.45 Ballyoptic (3/1 with Betfred or Totesport) to win