Battle Of Ideas represents in-form trainer Colin Tizzard in a 2m 7f novices’ handicap chase at Taunton on Thursday (14:15).
This Coral Champions Club owned six-year-old has interesting back hurdles form, so looks well worth an each-way punt at 7/1 with Paddy Power.
Connections have decided to race him again before his official rating goes up 1lb for a decent second at Fontwell.
That run was 11 days ago when he tried to give 3lb to Eclair De Guye. As Battle Of Ideas was only beaten 1 3/4 lengths and challenged strongly, turning him out quickly could prove wise.
This Fracas gelding was a fine third to subsequent Grade 1 novice chaser Dynamite Dollars in a hurdles race at Exeter two years ago.
The winner had also previously beaten current Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Lostintranslation at Chepstow. It gives the form a good look.
Battle Of Ideas was also far from disgraced when sixth to OK Corral – now a leading Ladbrokes Trophy fancy – at Kempton.
Battle Of Ideas each-way value
His ninth at Chepstow to subsequent Grade 2 scorer Glen Forsa 12 months ago also reads well. This is only a class 4 contest, while being 1lb well-in helps.
A wind operation during the spring has certainly brought about improvement. Battle Of Ideas hasn’t finished out of the first four in all four starts since.
He broke the maiden tag over fences at Newton Abbot off a mark of 105. Although put up 5lb by the assessor for a neck victory, he has since run well off his current rating.
The form of Tizzard’s stable – a 29 per cent strike rate in the last 14 days going into today’s racing – is also encouraging.
Harry Cobden, who has partnered this horse to both of his career successes, is also back in the saddle.
With some bookmakers paying an extra place, he is well worth considering each-way. Battle Of Ideas should again hit the frame off these terms.
Bet of the Day: 7/1 with Paddy Power, Battle Of Ideas each-way in the novices’ handicap chase at Taunton.
