NAP of the Day: De Romay can be the hero at wet Wincanton

The not-so Great British weather has already put paid to Sandown's meeting on Saturday, and Wincanton is due a morning inspection.

Hopefully the Somerset venue is deemed fit for purpose, as I'm keen on one in the opener who will absolutely relish the testing conditions.

I can't say I'm surprised that Lord Of Thunder has opened favourite for this novices' hurdle over 2m5½f, but I am surprised at the price difference with Kim Bailey's Heros De Romay.

The former, who is officially rated 120, is respected having won his last start by a widening nine-and-a-half lengths, but I prefer the claims of the latter.

The seven-year-old - a half-brother to stablemate Espoir De Romay who was rated 160 in his prime - followed up two respectable efforts in bumpers during the first half of last year with a winning debut over hurdles at Chepstow in November.

For me, the form of that maiden is at least on par with anything that's been achieved by the selection's four rivals at Wincanton on Saturday.

He beat a horse of Philip Hobbs & Johnson White's called Livin On Luco, who was subsequently sent off the even-money favourite behind a fancied runner of Paul Nicholls' at Chepstow before departing at the third last when going well, and was three lengths ahead of Evan Williams' Minella Blueway, who bolted up in a maiden over Christmas. The rest of the field were over 19 lengths behind.

Like I said, I think that's the best form on offer here. Lord Of Thunder won in style the last day, but to my eye he beat little and his form prior to that victory was bang-average.

Paddy De Pole and Casual Observer both receive seven pounds from the selection, but they're yet to achieve anything that suggests they can compete here - while Theyseekhimthere, who's also penalised, comes here off the back of a dire performance on heavy ground so can't be advised.

Speaking of conditions, Heros De Romay has now proven himself twice on heavy ground, which is crucial. It was very testing at Chepstow, which takes a lot of getting, and he ran through the line nice and strongly. That also suggested to me that this extra two furlongs will suit.

I'm hopeful the selection will cope best with the test - and he's a lovely price to do so.

Check out my NAP of the Day throughout the week here at Betfred Insights