Barney Dwan Fancied to Bounce Back in First Time Cheek Pieces

There is little doubt that on some of his form from last season, Barney Dwan is a very well handicapped horse and he is capable of winning a good race. He has been fancied twice this season but failed to show the spark of old, something that first time cheek pieces could rectify on Saturday when he heads to Kempton for a handicap.

He has been given a couple of months off which should also help him, and if the cheek pieces sharpen him up and spark him into life then this horse is handicapped to win the race. He has been running in far better races than this, both this season and last but just needs something to bring him to life. Trainers often reach for headgear to do that, and Fergal O’Brien has chosen cheek pieces as his weapon for this Saturday.

Of those in opposition, Ballykan ran a nice race last time out and showed that he is close to picking up a victory. His time may come in the future, but he doesn’t look well handicapped enough to deal with Barney Dwan, if the cheek pieces work on the selection. Josses Hill is another interesting horse, and certainly the class act in the race. He ran nicely on seasonal reappearance and this three mile test looks sure to suit him more. Whether he has too much weight on his back to win this remains to be seen, and that is what is putting me off backing him, despite that encouraging return.

The hope here is that the cheek pieces can bring Barney Dwan back to life in this race. He is a nicely handicapped horse on his form from last season, and when the yard work out what he wants, he will win races. Let’s hope that starts with him winning tomorrow at Kempton.