Lingfield - Friday 31st January 2025

 I gave myself Friday off but we have a big day of racing at Lingfield on Friday. 

14:45, Surrey National Handicap Chase

Passing Well 7/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is a decent renewal of the Surrey National but I like the chances of the consistent Passing Well. I've always liked this horse since I saw him as a novice hurdler. He's always threatened to win a decent race over fences and has been plying his trade over shorter with frustrating results over the past couple of years. He is a course winner however, and that is a big plus as not all horses take to Lingfield. But what I really like is how completely unexposed over this trip he is. He stayed on over 3 miles at Wincanton latest and with Gavin Sheehan back in the saddle I can see him popping along in rear before coming with a late run. He is a solid jumper as well which will be needed over a marathon trip round the Surrey track. 

Kempton - Wednesday 29th January 2025

 The weather has claimed jumps racing in England on Wednesday so we turn to the all weather. 

Kempton
19:00, Try Unibet's New Improved Acca Boosts Handicap

Al Ameen 10/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is just about the most competitive handicap of the night and I fancy Al Ameen to run well at his odds. He's well drawn in stall 5 and comes here off the back of an 84 day break which looked needed as he had a busy time of it between April and November. He's gone well after a break in the past and Kempton is his favourite track. He's 2 pound lower in the handicap here than when sent off 3/1 favourite over course and distance in October. He was unlucky not to go close to winning that day and should be there or thereabouts here. 

Ante-Post, William Hill Newbury Handicap Hurdle (08/02/2025)

 Newbury, William Hill Handicap Hurdle (08/02/2025)

Navajo Indy 14/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The weights are out for the richest handicap hurdle in the country and it looks like being another uber competitive renewal. I expect the weights to bump up a bit here as it's unlikely that top-weight Burdett Road will run and I also doubt that Brentford Hope or Gordon Elliott's Kala Conti will take up their engagements. The prospect of being top weight may put off Jeremy Scott from running Golden Ace too so there's every chance that Iberico Lord could end up with the big burden. With this in mind it may pay to look a bit down the weights. Secret Squirrel jumps out of the page and will have his share of supporters to follow up his win from Windsor last time out but there must be a worry that the track that day really suited him and the last few times he's run on more demanding tracks he's not quite seen it out. An even bigger worry could be the possibility of pretty sodden ground. It's not stopped raining for the past few days and with plenty of tracks being abandoned for waterlogging and plenty of rain about over the next week or so I think it's quite likely that conditions for Newbury in 12 days time could be testing. It's also worth noting that the race has not been won by a horse older than 7 since the 9 year old Geos won for Nicky Henderson in 2004. In recent year's it's also been won by quite unexposed types with plenty of novices claiming the race, in fact 9 of the last 15 winners have been novices. I quite fancy a novice here to keep up that trend in the shape of Tom Symond's 6 year old Navajo Indy. This son of Nathaniel has had 2 wins and a second from his 3 runs at Newbury. His first go was in a bumper, which he won and then built on that when finishing second to the now 137 rated Be Aware here over hurdles in January of 2024. On his latest visit to the Berkshire track he won a decent renewal of the Gerry Fielden off an 8 pound lower mark. Considering the bare form, his new mark of 128 really shouldn't be beyond him, especially considering his age and profile. He finished 4th at Windsor last time out but it's worth noting that he was last going into the final bend and nothing finished better. He looked to really dislike that tight track (also underperformed round the bends of Fontwell in the past) but nonetheless the run showed he's in good heart and will hopefully have put him spot on for this race which by all accounts has been the plan since his victory here in November. He looked to relish the track that day as the long straight really suits this strong stayer and more importantly he really enjoys soft ground, which I think he is likely to get. He's consistent, tough, at the right end of the handicap and fits a lot of the trends. He's 14/1 now and I can see those odds contracting throughout the next week if the rain keeps up. 

Chepstow - Tuesday 28th January 2025

 Well Hereford was off and there's an inspection at Chepstow tomorrow. If it's off then so be it and the powder is kept dry which is no bad thing with Cheltenham on the horizon. 

Chepstow
15:17, Join Fitzdares At fitzdares.com Handicap Chase

Bampton Star 7/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

It's going to be attractional conditions at the Welsh track and that will be right up Bampton Star's street. He was twice a winner on very bad ground last season and returned from a length absence to finish third at Exeter on New Year's Day in a hot race won by Katate Dori who has gone in again since. Usual jockey Lorcan Williams is back on board here and his mount here is a proper stayer who should be suited by the demands of Chepstow. He came on for his seasonal debut last year to win at the second time of asking and I'm betting he'll do the same again this time around. 

Hereford - Monday 27th January 2025

 Another frustrating weekend comes to a close. It's been a real up and down month, with some proper good days and a couple of real downers, none of which were more tragic than Foward Plan fatally falling when looking like the probable winner in at Doncaster on Saturday. I look to Hereford on Monday to start off the final week of January and hope it passes it's 7.30am inspection. 

16:30, starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap Hurdle

Dash On Ruby 5/1, 1.25pt each-way (4 places)

I think this trip is what this mare really needs these days. It's amazing to think that she is still yet to win a race but thing's haven't always gone her way over the years and she suffered an injury which put her off course for 568 days. She made her comeback at Chepstow in October where she finished well down the field but she was entitled to do that after such an absence. She stepped up markedly on that 26 days ago however, when she finished third at Exeter on very heavy ground over this sort of trip. She travelled like the winner in that race until making a bad mistake up the home straight which cost her any chance of winning. She's entitled to improve on that again and she is now racing off a 2 pound lower mark (officially rated 94) than when second at Chepstow in April 2023 behind a horse who is now rated 118. 

Doncaster - Saturday 25th January 2025

 I will be at Cheltenham for trials day however, history has proven that it is a very tricky days racing so I've had just one bet at Doncaster in the big handicap chase of the day.

15:15, Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase

Forward Plan 11/2, 2pts each-way (5 places)

Anthony Honeyball's nine year old finished a close second in this very race last year and I fancy this has been the plan again. He was unlucky not to win it that day and comes here in decent nick after finishing third again at this track last time out. I still believe he is up to winning from this mark but connections have enlisted ten pound claimer Chad Bament do to the steering which brings his weight right down. It's a big field, which he will love and I fancy that he will be coming home fast. 

Sandown - Friday 24th January 2025

 It's Sandown's first meeting of the year after the cancellation of the Veteran's Final card and it's a pretty trappy affair. 

14:25, Arthur Gregory Centenary Celebration Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Helnwein 11/8, 2pts win

I'm not normally one for tipping favourites but Alan King's classy novice should really be getting off the mark over fences here. He put up a huge effort to win a big field hurdle here last March and looked like he has a decent future in this field when second on chasing debut at Warwick in November behind a good mare who has won again since. He disappointed as favourite at Windsor in December but nothing about that race went to suit and now back at a track that will play to his strengths he will take all the beating. 

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16:10, Paul Sadgrove Dads 'N' Lads Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Authentic Legacy 5/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Gary Moore's five year old has some pretty decent hurdle form for this standard to his name having been dismissed by some decent animals early in the season. He ran a good race on handicap debut at this course in December when he finished third. The ground here will be a bit better than last time which I think should suit but more importantly, this step up in trip is going to be in his favour. I like how connections have decided to come back to this track and Freddie Gordon is claiming a handy five pounds off. 

Huntingdon & Wetherby - Thursday 23rd January 2025

 Some decent jumps racing on Thursday, with a German Derby winner on show in the second race at Huntingdon no less!

Wetherby
13:30, William Hill B.O.G. Is Back Handicap Chase

Cerendipity 3/1, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

This 8 year old has run well at this track in his three runs here (second, first, fifth - last run was over a trip too far) and he's back here running over what I feel is his best distance. He runs here off the same mark as when second in very soft ground to a bit of a handicap blot at Haydock. The ground here will be better and I he comes here fresher than most having had just the two runs so far this campaign and I fancy this has been a bit of a target. 

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14:05, William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Aire Spray 11/2, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Sue Smith's five year old really stepped up on his poor seasonal debut run in October to run out a determined winner at Carlisle in December. He really stuck to his guns well that day after taking up the lead at the top of the home straight. He seemed to enjoy the way that race was run and in a big field here, he should get a pretty decent pace to aim at which is important as he looks a strong stayer at this trip. The long home straight here could really suit him and he could take a six pound rise in the weights in his stride. 

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Huntingdon

13:20, Pertemps Network Novices' Handicap Chase

Wiseguy 10/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

This doesn't look the strongest rase for Wiseguy to make his chasing debut. He's been dropped four pounds since the start of the season but you couldn't really say he's been running poorly, more that the races just haven't been run to suit him. I feel that he's still got races in him as he's only six years old and looked progressive this time last year. He's a really strong traveller and there's a chance that first time up over fences could be the time to catch him from this handicap mark. 

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13:55, Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle

Through The Ages 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Windsurfer 25/1, 0.5pts each-way (4 places)

I put up Through The Ages for a race at Plumpton over this trip fifty-two days ago. He was just moving into the race when a horse fell in front of him and his jockey had little choice but to pull his mount up. He's been pulled out of an engagement since then and I think it's telling that he's set to appear here back over that same trip. He's eleven pounds lower than this time last year and I think this flat track will really suit this ex-Godolphin owned flat horse. At the prices I'll also suggest a shrewd little each-way bet on Windsurfer. This six year old looked like a hurdler to follow when winning a decent race in October from two horses who have won since. He ran creditably at Chepstow on his next run before a really poor effort on handicap debut at Doncaster last time out. He was incredibly keen there and nothing went right for him. He's been given time since then and I expect he should settle better in this bigger field. If he comes back to the form he showed in October then 25/1 is huge. 

Lingfield - Wednesday 22nd January 2025

 There is a jumps meeting at Catterick tomorrow but it looks trappy and I've not got a great record of punting round there so I have turned to Lingfield in pursuit of a mid week profit. 

13:55, Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

Specified 6/1 (Bet365), 1pt each-way (4 places on offer)

This is a pretty low level mile handicap at Lingfield here and it has an open look to it. I put up Specified for a mile handicap at Chelmsford 13 days ago and he finished 8th. Once again however, he had absolutely no luck in running and finished on the heels of horses. He's kept at this trip by connections which is a real positive and they have recruited Holly Doyle to do the steering. She has a lovely draw in stall 2 and Lingfield should suit her running style. If Holly can get a clear run then hopefully today will be the day for Specified. 

Leicester - Tuesday 21st January 2025

 Lets get this week off to a good start at Leicester. 

14:53, Racecourse Live Streams On RacingTV Extra Handicap Chase

Lazy Sunday 5/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is an open handicap chase with a decent field and most bookies are paying 4 places. Camulus is respected but it is a bit of a worry that he's not really gone through with his efforts so far in his chasing career. If he puts it all together he definitely is up to winning from his mark. I fancy Lazy Sunday at slightly bigger odds though. His trainer only has a couple of horses and it's a while since one of them won but his 11 year old mare Lazy Sunday has been a credit to him over the years. She is a 3 time winner and comes into this race off the back of a 3rd and 2nd place from her 2 starts so far this season. She's in as good a form as she has been since winning 3 on the spin in early 2023. But what I think will prove a good move is this slight drop in trip as she has looked like the winner in the home straight the last twice over 3 miles before just fading close home. She's dropped 2 furlongs in trip here and she's also running on a right handed track which could also be a good move as she had a tendency to jump to her right at Lingfield last time out. Jockey Michael Nolan comes to Leicester for his only ride on her and she's surely in with a good chance of adding to her tally. 

Windsor - Sunday 19th January

 Hopefully we can get back on track on the final day of the Winter Million festival at Windsor tomorrow and end the week on a high. 

13:20, Winter Million Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Onewaywest 11/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

This is a fiendishly difficult race to try and figure out. Zanndabad and Fasol dominate the betting but both are still actually chasing their first win over jumps and perhaps can be taken on. Onewaywest came from a different parish at this course in December to finish second in a big field handicap. He's been put up 4 pounds for that but gave the impression that there is more to give. He's been kept for this race since and that could be telling. I'm sure he won't be kept as far back this time and looks a decent each-way bet. 

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15:40, Fitzdares Windsor Stayers Handicap Chase

Fortunate Man 7/2, 2.5pts win
Art Deco 11/2, 0.5pts win (saver)

This is a marathon distance and round this track could be a bit tactical and I fancy you'll want to be fairly prominent. Art Deco will stay all day and go on any ground so he holds a big chance but I just wonder if he isn't as well handicapped as Fortunate Man. Jonjo O'Neill's horse is still only 6 and ran a cracker at Carlisle in the Autumn to finish second in a strong race (winner has gone in again since). He followed that up at Aintree last time out in the fog and again gave the impression that he is a strong stayer. He's completely unexposed and should have the ability to handle the demands of Windsor. 

Ascot - Saturday 18th January 2025

 After a frustrating couple of days with a couple of fancies falling when holding every chance and one beaten by the shortest of noses I move onto Ascot tomorrow for a classy day of racing. 

13:05, BetMGM Handicap Chase

Unanswered Prayers 5/1 (Bet365), 2pts win

Considering all of the recent abandonments it's surprising that this race has only managed to pull in 6 runners. There's a few in this that like to get on with it and I expect this to be a proper test at the trip. Unanswered Prayers should benefit from that and comes into this off a couple of career best efforts. He'll be more at home on this better surface than the heavy ground he ran on last time out at Sandown. 

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14:15, bet365 Handicap Chase

Scarface 6/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

There's bundles of money up for grabs in this handicap and it's pretty open. Martator looks most likely to go off favourite but he's up to a very high mark now and looked anchored by it last time out. He could be vulnerable here. Kotmask should run another good race but he's also up to a career high mark now and I'm not sure an extra couple of furlongs here is ideally what he wants. Flegmatik would be interesting if he bounced back to form but I wonder if eyes are set on Kempton next month with him. Instead I'll chance that this could finally be Scarface's day in the sun at Ascot. He's 3 pounds better off with Kotmask than last time out and I fancy that he'll enjoy the slight increase in distance better than Gary Moore's runner. I think he's shown the last twice that he's well up to winning a race from his mark and he's reunited with stable jockey Brendan Powell today. He races off just 10 stone 2 pounds here. 

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14:50, BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle

Kamsinas 17/2 (William Hill), 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is a really difficult race to figure out. Bo Zenith ran a mighty race from the clouds to finish 3rd at Cheltenham last time out and if he builds on that then he should be winning races from this mark. There's always a worry about horses bouncing after such a long time off the track though and he didn't look straightforward at Cheltenham. Altobelli looks well handicapped off 132 however, I'm not 100% sure that he has the pace at the required time to win a race at this trip on decent ground. I'd be happier to see him on a softer surface and up even further in trip. I'll go against them with Kamsinas. This 8 year old is 7 pounds higher than when winning at Aintree in the Autumn but he was giving bundles of weight away to one of Olly Murphy's that day who came out and won since at Cheltenham. Kamsinas then put up a really big effort to finish 4th on desperate ground in a tough race at Haydock at the back end of November. He's been given time to get over that and comes here in decent form. This trip is what he wants and I think he'll love the better surface here. Last season he gave Be Aware weight and a beating on similar ground and over a similar trip at Kempton, everything looks in his again favour here.

Windsor - Friday 17th January 2025

 It is the first day of the 3 day Winter Millions Weekend and it's a proper cracking card down at Windsor. Some quality on show and a ultra competitive handicap hurdle.

12:40, Fitzdares Berkshire Winter Million Novices' Hurdle

Honky Tonk Highway 3/1, 2pts win

I learned from the first meeting here last month that especially on the hurdles track, it helps to have plenty of pace. This 3 mile hurdle looks as though it could turn a bit tactical so I like the chances of Dan Skelton's unexposed mare, Honky Tonk Highway. She showed smart form in bumpers last season before seeing it out gamely from the front over 2 miles on heavy ground at Sandown over hurdles last time. She looked that day as if she will find improvement for stepping up in trip and this looks like a good track to do it at. She's got plenty of class and could just have too much for the geldings here if she builds on her potential. 

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13:15, Fitzdares Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Mryetown 9/2, 2pts win

If Lucina Russell's unexposed chaser can get to the front I think he'll take some stopping round this track. He ran in an extremely tough handicap chase on seasonal debut at Newbury and showed promise behind a couple of classy types before winning a minor event at Wetherby last month. He's up to 3 miles now for the first time and this could unlock further improvement given he has won over this trip in a point to point. Surely he's better than a mark of 123. 

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15:35, Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle

Hansard 7/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

This is a real belter and I could go on for days about the chances of many here. This could be quite a grueling race and a few of these are coming into it off the back of career best efforts who may find things tougher now from higher marks. I like the chances of Hansard here. He's still unexposed for a 7 year old and is just 3 pounds higher than when winning the Gerry Fielden last season. He ran a cracker after 370 days off the track when 4th at Kempton last time out. He looked like a potential winner coming round the home bend before fitness waned. He'll strip fitter here and he has bundles of pace which will really help round these bends. 

Wincanton - Thursday 16th January 2025

 It's Somerset National day down at Wincanton and luckily there is no inspection in sight for a change! 

14:00, 90 January & February Hospitality Offer Handicap Hurdle

Another Fine Mess 8/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is a nice big wide open 18 runner handicap hurdle and it's 9/2 the field. St Lukes Chelsea looks set to go off favourite off the back of finishing second at Fontwell last time out. A mark of 98 looks appealing but the horse that beat him ran poorly at Newbury today which tempers enthusiasm. Instead, I like the chances of top weight Another Fine Mess at bigger odds. Jeremy Scott's 6 year old ran really well in his 2 bumpers at the back end of 2023 before going into maiden hurdles in early 2024. He finished 7th of 16 runners on hurdling debut at Newbury a year ago but it's worth noting that the race was won by subsequent Greatwood Hurdle runner up Be Aware with Gerry Fielden victor Navajo Indy in 2nd. It's fair to say that was a tall order and faces much, much inferior opposition here. He wasn't himself when sent off just 4/1 on his final run of last season and had wind surgery in the summer. He ran just OK on seasonal debut 30 days ago when finishing a well held 4th at this course but there was a 1/5 favourite in the race, who won well, and this will be more his bag on handicap debut. A mark of 100 looks fair and if he steps up on his debut run he could begin to start making his mark. 

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15:10, Thank You White Horse Hinton Team Handicap Hurdle

Grozni 18/1 (Bet365), 1pt each-way (4 places)

This 3 mile handicap hurdle is also wide open. It's 7/2 the field here with every runner in the race having some questions to answer. I think Grozni is worth a chance to follow up his success at Wetherby 21 days ago. He's back up to a mark of 130 but he has shown enough in his career to suggest he's up to defying it. Back when trained in Ireland by Charles Byrne's he was competing in much more competitive races than this, albeit from lower marks, and he finished 2nd in a 17 runner affair at the Dublin Racing Festival in February 2023. He failed to hit the mark in chases for current connections since coming over to England but bounced right back to form over these obstacles last time out over a slightly shorter trip. This step back up in distance holds no fears and I think he'll enjoy the slightly better ground, as he did last time out. Trainer James Owen has already had 5 winners so far this year and I hope Grozni can make that 6. 

Newbury & Hereford - Wednesday 15th January 2025

 Great news! Newbury has passed the inspection and we have racing at the Berkshire track for the first time in 2025. It's a strange little card, a bit trappy but I will be there tomorrow and hope to be putting some horses in the notebook. I also think there is a bet to be had over at Hereford. 

Newbury
15:00, Grosvenor Sport New Customers Double Odds Handicap Hurdle

Lightingupourdays 8/1 (Bet365), 1pt each-way (4 places, generally)
Through The Ages 11/1, 1pt win

This is one of the big betting heats of the day. Norn Iron does look well handicapped off a mark of 107 and is set to go off favourite however, this will be his first run for 101 days and it's expected to be pretty soft ground out there so any lack of fitness will be exposed. He's not experienced ground like this so I will take him on. Bucephalus is interesting after a big effort to finish second in a big field at Chepstow last month but it worries me that he hasn't always followed up one good run with another and is now 12 pounds above his highest winning mark. Instead I like the chances of Lightningupourdays at the odds. Alastair Ralph hasn't had a winner for a while but he had 4 seconds in December, two of which were beaten by less than a head so it's hard to say the stable is bang out of form. His 6 year old here had decent enough form in maiden hurdles before stepping up to win on handicap debut at Uttoxeter last time out, staying on well. He'd previously finished second over 5 furlongs further than this and has also finished 3rd in a bumper on heavy ground. The penny really dropped last time out and I think he's up to defying a 5 pound higher mark. The danger could be Through The Ages who won over course and distance in December 2023 (on similar ground) by a storming 15 lengths. He's been tumbling down the weights since but was in the process of running well at Plumpton last month when hampered badly by a faller forcing the jockey to pull him up. He's a big enough price. 

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16:08, Grosvenor Sport Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Keable 4/1 (Bet365), 1pt each-way (3 places)

The last race of the day looks set to be a proper slog over 3 miles. Keable looks best set for this test having won by as far as he wanted on atrocious ground at Exeter 2 weeks ago. This 8 year old has really got his act together this term, as he showed when second in similar conditions over this trip at  Wincanton last month. That day he only just failed to concede a stone and a half to an up and comer who has won again since. He had the rest of the field 13 lengths away. 

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Hereford
15:58, DragonBet Still Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Lanesborough 6/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Ben Pauling's 6 year old has been on the go since finishing second in a point back in October. He showed some promise in 3 maiden hurdles and now goes handicapping off a very lenient mark of 101. The first of those runs was in a decent race and the horse who finished immediately in front of him won a handicap at Ffos Las on Saturday. Connections waste no time in going handicapping and it's worth noting that stable jockey Ben Jones is back in the saddle for the first time since his rules debut at Warwick in that decent maiden hurdle. He has got plenty of experience now and this isn't a strong race. I fancy he'll prove better than this opening mark. 

Plumpton - Tuesday 14th January 2025

 There is an 8am inspection at Plumpton tomorrow but I'd like to be confident about it going ahead looking at the weather. Hopefully we can get a clear run through this week. 

15:10, Southern Contract Ltd Veterans' Handicap Chase

Credo 11/4, 2pts win

This is a nifty little Veteran's Chase for a Tuesday afternoon at Plumpton. I like Credo here for Anthony Honeyball and Chad Bament (claiming 10 pounds). She's just turned 10 and so now eligible to run in these races and this is a step down in competitiveness from the last few contests she's been running in. She is also now finally back down to her last winning mark (Wincanton, October 2023). She ran a decent enough race on seasonal debut back at that track when finishing 3rd off a 5 pound higher mark behind a rejuvenated Remastered. He two runs since have come on very heavy ground at Haydock and I just don't think she's been enjoying it. She's back on a slightly better surface here and in calmer waters. 

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15:45, Book The Cheltenham Preview Raceday Handicap Hurdle

Seek Him There 15/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

This 6 year old started off his career in decent fashion when finishing 2nd in a bumper at Market Rasen in 2023. It's been difficult viewing since then as he has struggled to make much of an impact in maiden hurdles until last time out when he ran a cracker to finish second at Southwell, well ahead of the field behind him. That was a big step up on his previous hurdling form but it's worth noting that the race at Warwick in November was quietly a half decent race as a couple of the placed horses have come out and either won or run very well. Seek Him There is up in trip here for handicap debut which looks a plug and Ben Case's stable has been ticking along quite well since Christmas. This looks a good opportunity. 

Punchestown & Lingfield - Sunday 12th January 2025

 After a decent day on Saturday thanks to Ffos Las putting on a good days racing at late notice we move on to Sunday. Lingfield is the only track putting on racing in England but Punchestown is putting on some classy racing including the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice's Hurdle which has been won by subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners Vautor, Douvan and Impaire Et Passe in recent years. 

Punchestown
12:55, Sky Bet, For The Fans Novice Chase

Down Memory Lane 11/4, 2pts win

This is quietly a race with a decent roll of honour with Envoi Allen, Bob Ollinger, Impervious and Spillane's Tower the last 4 winners who have all gone on to better things. Lecky Watson looks a better chaser than he was a hurdler already and will be favourite here after turning over Supreme winner Slade Steel on chasing debut last time out. But I'm happy to take him on with the scopey Down Memory Lane. I thought he looked good when winning on his first go over fences in the autumn before putting in a strange display in a Grade 1 at Sandown in December. I was there that day and he really did look impressive in the parade ring. Sandown is a real jumping test and Gordon Elliott's 7 year old backed off plenty of the fences on the way round. Hopefully he will benefit plenty for that experience and this step up in trip will be right up his street. This race doesn't look as daunting as that I expect him to take this on his way to better things. 

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Lingfield
15:42, Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap

Ornately 5/1, 1pt each-way (4 places with SkyBet and Betfair Sportsbook, 3 places generally)

This is a pretty low level handicap but certainly compact with 4 pounds splitting 10 of the 11 runners. I quite like Ornately here. This will be the 3 year old filly's first handicap run and a mark of 65 looks pretty fair considering she is bred to be a lot better than that. Kaiya Fraser takes a handy 3 pounds off her back and she is handily berthed in stall 1 so hopefully she'll get plenty of cover as she has been a little bit keen in her races. Although she only managed to beat 1 horse home last time, she was beaten just under 4 lengths and after being drawn in the outside stall she was forced to be held up last throughout much of the race. This is a very winnable race and she could well be up to taking it. 

Ffos Las & Chelmsford - Saturday 11th January 2025

 Well, what a rubbish week this has been for racing. Abandonment after abandonment and I for one have been coughing and sneezing through it all. Hopefully Ffos Las is on and we will have at least some decent jumps racing to warm us up over the weekend. 

Ffos Las

12:12, DragonBet Supporting British Racing Maiden Hurdle

Juby Ball 3/1, 2pts win

Plenty of these have been declared to run at various abandoned meetings over the past week or so and now find themselves in a somewhat more challenging affair than would of been the case but for the weather. Juby Ball has been entered up a couple of times over the past couple of months and for one reason or another, hasn't actually made it to the course. He runs here though at the Welsh track near where he is trained. He is already a course winner but more importantly ran a real cracker in a decent bumper at Sandown a year ago. He hasn't been seen since but I think he could be decent and he could take this on his way to better things. 

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13:15, DragonBet Towton Novices' Chase

Handstands 6/4, 2pts win

It's great that this race has been saved and it highlights the afternoon at Ffos Las. Handstands looked a horse to follow when winning 3 of his 4 starts over hurdles last season. I was disappointed with him on chase debut at Wincanton but maybe that was down to a combination of first run in a while and being on unseasonably quick going. He made amends in good style at Sandown last time out and I don't see the drop in trip being an issue, especially on this ground. He should take a lot of beating and 6/4 is fair. 

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13:51, DragonBet Still Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

The Blueberry One 3/1, 2 pts win

I put this horse up last year but he was withdrawn on the day. I saw him at Newbury last season in a decent maiden hurdle. He finished mid field but has always looked a longer term prospect and one who would appreciate a soft surface. He will get his ground here and looks to have been given a fair opening handicap mark. This is a very moderate race and the trainer is going along nicely, having 3 winners since Christmas. 

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14:58, DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle

Up For Parol 17/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

I had backed Jamie Snowden's 9 year old for a race at Plumpton last weekend. Unfortunately, that meeting was abandoned but it's good to see that he's been declared for this over the same trip as that contest. He's unexposed over this trip and although it has been a while since he has won, it was a really good effort he put up at Sandown last time out over this distance when second to a real improver. 

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Chelmsford

14:40, bet365 Handicap

Altmore 8/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

William Haggas's 4 year old runs here off the same mark as when second in a fair contest at Kempton over this trip last month. The race didn't pan out very well for him on Boxing Day when dropped to 7 furlongs at Wolverhampton. He's drawn better here (stall 3) and that should allow Cieran Fallon to get a nice trip round. 

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15:15, Bet Boost At bet365 Handicap

Sanat 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Mick Applebee's 4 year old is 3 pounds out of the handicap here but his jockey is claiming 7 pounds to negate that and as such will be racing off a proper feather weight. This will be just his second run since leaving Roger Varian for whom he finished 4th behind subsequent Group 1 scorer Kind Of Blue in a maiden at Doncaster in May of last year. He finished second at Southwell after that before getting off the mark at Nottingham in August. For stable debut he was dropped to 5 furlongs at Newcastle 9 days ago and was very keen throughout before running on late. The step back up in trip here should suit and hopefully that run will have got the freshness out of him. 

Lingfield - Friday 10th January 2025

 A quiet day with no jump racing again, the one race that looks appealing is at Lingfield. 

13:45, BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap

Thapa VC 7/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

The selection here runs off the same mark as when defeated by just a head over course and distance 10 days ago. This looks an easier race and it's unlikely he will have to come from quite as far back. That run came after a 78 day break and there must be a decent chance that this dual course and distance winner will strip at least a little bit fitter here. 

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15:25, Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

The Spotlight Kid 6/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

H Key Lails won last time out over course and distance however, he is up 4 pounds here and drawn out in stall 10 which will make life hard. He likes to get to the front so in attempt to cross over this race could be run at a decent clip and that would suit The Spotlight Kid. Dean Ivory's 6 year old has been in great form of late, winning twice and finishing a running on 3rd last time out. He's 7 pounds higher than when winning 2 starts ago but has defied higher marks in the past and his running style should suit this track. Luke Morris gets a good tune out of him and rides again here. 

Chelmsford - Thursday 9th January 2025

 Very little national hunt action on this week and none on Thursday. Lingfield's afternoon card looks tricky so I have taken aim at Chelmsford's evening meeting. 

18:30, It's Never Ordinary At bet365 Handicap

Alex The Great 11/2, 1pt each-way (4 places with Betfair Sportsbook, 3 places generally)

Carlton is a warm order here to win for the third time on the bounce. He's up 2 pounds for his latest win but will effectively race from a 5 pound higher mark as his jockey is not claiming the 3 pounds he was last time out. He could be vulnerable at short odds so I'll take a chance on Alex The Great who has been mightily consistent since joining current connections. This will be his second run back since wind surgery and is will be ridden by William Carson for the first time having usually been piloted by a claimer. Add that together with a good draw in stall 1 and there's plenty to like at the odds. He should put in a good effort. 

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19:00, Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap

Specified 6/1 (with Bet365), 1pt each way (4 places generally)

This looks a hot handicap with a full field of 14 runners declared. The Outlaw is 6/4 at the time of writing and it's easy to see why as he finished 2nd last time out on handicap debut and runs from the same mark here. However, he raced from the front end that day and is drawn in stall 13 here so he may have to be ridden differently. I'll chance Marco Botti's Specified against him at the odds. He is still a maiden after 7 starts however, this will be his first start over a mile having shaped consistently like this sort of trip will be the making of him. He finished 6th last time out however, he was continually hampered when trying to make a run and finished without a question having been asked so a line could be put through that. That isn't the first time he's had a poor run through. This mark looks exploitable when you consider that the last time he had a clear run came at this course in September when he finished a running on 2nd over 6 furlongs. That was off a pound higher mark than he races off here. He will be coming out of stall 4 so is unlikely to get caught wide and Lingfield is often seen as a hold up horse's track. Specified will be ridden for the first time by Benoit de la Sayette. 

Taunton & Kempton - Wednesday 8th January 2025

 So, the weather keeps wreaking havoc with racing and I will not be pushed into betting on all weather races that I do not have much of an opinion of. I'm happy to keep my powder dry until racing resumes which will hopefully be soon. There's an inspection at Taunton but I've picked one out anyway together with one in the very last race of the day at Kempton. 

Taunton
15:15, Saturday Meeting 18th January Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Flowering 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

This is a pretty low grade Mare's Handicap Hurdle to close the day's action in the West Country and it's wide open. At the prices I'm tempted by the unexposed Flowering for the Skelton's whose runners are always respected on handicap debut. She was a pretty ordinary maiden on the flat but immediately showed ability in this sphere when winning on hurdling debut at 33/1. She was overpitched in Listed company at Newbury next time out but bounced back to form when running a creditable 4th in a decent little conditions race at Catterick 22 days ago. The second that day wasn't far in front of her and he has won since to help boost that form. An opening mark of 93 looks very manageable. 

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Kempton
20:00, Unibet Zero% Mission Handicap

Franceso Baracca 13/2, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

The bottom weight here has a decent record round Kempton having won here over 12 furlongs in August. The way he powered away that day suggested that staying trips would be where his future lies and he has been limited to just 2 starts over today's trip of 2 miles, both at the Sunbury track. The first occasion came in a steadily run 5 runner affair where the winner got first run and couldn't be reeled in late on but the winning margin was diminishing all the time. He races off the same mark here (70). This 4 year old's only run at the distance since then came here in October in the Stayers Series Final when he was racing from 10 pounds out of the handicap but still managed to finish a creditable 5th of 11 when an unconsidered 33/1 shot. He again came from a mile back that day and was just given too much to do. He finished behind Zoran that day (likely favourite here) but Francesco Baracca meets that opponent on 10 pound better terms here. That's a mighty swing in the weights. He's drawn fine in stall 4 so shouldn't get caught wide and I again expect he will be played late. It's also interesting that he will be ridden by Edward Greatrex for the first time (usually ridden by Georgia Dobie) and that the trainer is also running the top weight. 

Ludlow - Monday 6th January

 We've had 2 days in a row with meetings being called off. There is an inspection at Ludlow tomorrow but I think it should go ahead. 

13:45, Vobe Electrics 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle

Malinificent 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Dunskay is favourite here and brings in some decent bumper form however, he will have to be match fit after a 333 day absence so may be worth taking on here. I liked the way Malinificent travelled on his rules debut at Leicester last month before getting outpaced late on over 2 miles. The step up by 5 furlongs here looks a good move as he finished 2nd in a 3 mile point in May. I thought that was a good effort nonetheless as the winner that day had won twice on the flat in France and was in receipt of 5 pounds from Malinificent. The runner up has come out and won since to help boost the form too. 

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14:50, Plyvine Caterers Handicap Chase

Smiling Getaway 7/2, 2pts win

This is a really open staying handicap chase. Venetia Williams runs Ramo who is interesting on his first chase run after a 268 day absence, but we know how she can ready one. Roger Pol steps up in trip again and that looks a good move but I'm happy to take both of these on with Smiling Getaway. She impressed on chase debut at Ffos Las in October before finding Listed company too hot next time out. She's up in trip here and back in handicap company. I think she can continue improving. 

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15:25, Luke Watson Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle

Sullivan Bay 2/1, 2pts win

This is a pretty poor race but Sullivan Bay has been in some form of late since switching to his new stable (1st, 3rd, 2nd, 3rd). He was beaten just a head at Plumpton on his last hurdles start and has been within a length of winning his past 2 starts on the flat. Sean Bowen takes the ride and that looks eye catching. He's not much of a price but I expect that he'll be hard to stop in this contest. 

Plumpton - Sunday 5th January 2025

 Well, Saturday was a dead loss in the end with Sandown's fixture once again unable to defeat the elements. Hopefully Plumpton goes ahead tomorrow as it's a cracking day. 

13:05, BetGoodwin Best UK Online Bookmakers Juvenile Hurdle

Risk It All 13/8, 3pts win

Gary Moore's juvenile hurdler was a warm order on UK debut at Kempton last week but looked to lack for experience when beaten into 3rd. He stuck to his task well and hinted that day that he'd end up as the best horse in that race. That was a very good run on stable debut and I expect him to go in here now turned out just 9 days later. 

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14:25, BetGoodwin Sussex Stayers' Handicap Hurdle

Up For Parol 6/1, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

This is a £75k race and it's good that it is being supported. Transmission won this last year and will still be a danger despite being 7 pounds higher a year on. Monmiral, Tommie Beau, Cloud Dancer and Kilbarry Hill will all have their supporters but they do all find themselves on lofty career high marks. I'll take a chance on Up For Parol who races here off a mark of 121 having won off 127 and did once finish 3rd in a Lanzarote of 129. He hasn't won since 2021 but has finished placed on quite a few occasions over shorter trips. His last 2 runs have come over 3 miles and he has been placed both times. He's being ridden more patiently over this trip and is seeming to enjoy it. He finished a fair second in a decent race at Sandown last month in heavy going on his seasonal debut. If he comes on for that, then his handicap mark is exploitable over this trip. 

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 14:40, BetGoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase

Dom Of Mary 9/2, 2 pts win
Minella Blueway 9/2, 0.5pts win (saver)

Unanswered Prayers is respected after winning the Southern National in November but is now 4 pounds higher and effectively 6 pounds higher as Freddie Gordon's claim has been reduced from 5 to 3 pounds. He may not be so at home on today's softer surface either and so I'll take a chance on last year's winner Dom Of Mary to bounce back and provide his trainer with a birthday winner. This has presumably been the plan and he has been put away since not running to form at Ascot in November. He should be healthier now and even though he's higher in the weights, he did finish a good 3rd in the Masters Chase at Sandown in February off a 2 pound higher mark to show this isn't beyond him by any means. I see the main danger as coming from Evan Williams' lightly raced Minella Blueway. He races off a low weight here and is improving with every run. He's not certain to get this marathon trip though so I'll make him a saver bet to cover the stake on Dom Of Mary. 

Sandown - Saturday 4th January 2025

 Hopefully Sandown survives the inspection as last year's fixture was also abandoned. If it does go ahead we have the Veteran's Chase Final to look forward to. 

15:00, Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase

Eldorado Allen 4/1, 2pts win
Sam Brown 9/2, 2pts win

I quite like both of these so will back them both at the odds. Copperhead looks like he will probably go off favourite but I wasn't overly sure he was in love with the track when second to Certainly Red here earlier in the season. Eldorado Allen finished 4th in the 2023 Coral Gold Cup at Newbury from a 5 pound higher mark and has shown real signs in 2 runs this season to suggest he still has plenty of enthusiasm for the game. He ran well over an inadequate trip at Cheltenham last time out and I'm sure, like his stablemate, that this has been the plan all along. Sam Brown won this race last year when it was run at Warwick and finished the season with a good 6th place in the Bet365 Gold Cup here. He ran a stormer on seasonal debut to finish 3rd in the Charlie Hall before finding the Coral Gold Cup too much a month later. He's been aimed here since and with Chad Bament claiming 10 pounds (won for the trainer here already this season) he should be putting up a big effort for a repeat. 

Southwell - Friday 3rd January 2025

 The cold snap strikes tomorrow and meetings will have to survive inspections. It looks as though Southwell will go ahead so I take aim there. 

20:00, Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

Elterwater 7/2

2pts each-way (4 places with Bet365, SkyBet & Unibet)

Union Island will be well supported to complete the hattrick in a short space of time under penalty however, he's had 2 hard races and this is very competitive. Instead, I like the chances of Elterwater for the Kubler's. Richard Kingscote sticks around late on in the evening to ride again (ridden last twice - 1st, 2nd) and the form of the runner up finish at Chelmsford last time has worked out well. He's still pretty lightly raced for a 5 year old and is steadily progressive. I think he'll run a big race. 

Huntingdon - Thursday 2nd January 2025

 It is a quiet day in the UK with Huntingdon putting on the only jumps action in England. 

13:25, Visit Huntingdon Racecourse For Your Conference Handicap Chase

Maninsane, 17/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Top weight Pearlyisland won yesterday and his absence brings this field down to 8 runners. It's an open race but Maninsane could be the value play in the race off bottom weight. Lily Pinchin rides as usual but her 10 year old mount is now off a career low mark of 103. That is a pound lower than when he was second over course and distance in November to El Rio who ran well at Kempton on Boxing Day off a mark of 128. If he can replicate that sort of form then he should be going close in this open affair. 

Post Christmas round-up

 2025 is here and I can't wait to see what it is going to hold from a racing point of view but it was an incredibly hectic festive period with lots to sift through. 

I was at Kempton on Boxing Day once again and things didn't get off to a very good start as I fancied Range to get out in front and put this field to the sword however, Ben Jones and Leader In The Park got to the front and was not for passing. Range was disappointing but he can still win races when he gets a chance to dominate. As for Leader In The Park, he has always looked to have plenty of potential and I expect him to climb the ladder further now he's getting his act together. I strongly fancied The Jukebox Man to do the business in the Kauto Star and he duly won well. He will reportedly not run again now before Cheltenham and the 3 mile Novice Chase on the Wednesday. I think he has a great chance in that. The Christmas Hurdle was an awesome thing to witness with the imperious Constitution Hill winning his 3rd after being ridden out to the line. He still looked short of his best but clearly wasn't 100% fit and with improvement to come, I find it difficult to see him getting beaten at Cheltenham in March. Lossiemouth seemed to find this pace on good ground at Kempton all a bit too much but she stuck to her task well and still may be the biggest challenge to Nicky Henderson's star come Spring. I really did think that the form Spillane's Tower brought into the King George would be good enough to take it should Il Est Francais not bounce back to form. Just in case that did happen I was happy to have a saver on the French hope and through most of the race it looked as though he was going to gallop his rivals into the ground. He tired up the home straight however and was reeled in by Banbridge who had been given a classy ride by Paul Townend. I'll admit that I got this wrong as I didn't think that the winner would stay a strongly run 3 miles but he clearly relished it and I'd imagine he'll be aimed at coming back here in a year's time. Il Est Francais looks capable of winning another big one on these shores if connections decide to come over again before the season is out. Even the Champion Chase has been muted. Spillane's Tower will be happier back on a more galloping track and could still have a say in the Gold Cup but Grey Dawning is now on a real retrieval mission and will need to bounce back to form somewhere between now and March should connections harbour real ambitions for Gold. Kientzheim defied a market drift to win the Maiden Hurdle well and she could step up on that to be a player in the Mares' Novices Hurdle at the Festival. My day ended badly as I had backed Doddiethegreat in the last only for him to be pulled up after just 1 flight having suffered bad interference at the first. I did manage to find a couple of winners at Wincanton and Market Rasen in the afternoon to dampen the losses but I didn't mind as it was a brilliant days racing all in all. 

I was back at Kempton on the 27th and the opening Juvenile Hurdle was won by the 15/2 shot Knight's Templar. Not a lot could be seen in the fog but the well backed favourite Risk It All (Gary Moore stable) got going all too late. He will make amends soon but the one I'd take out of the race was Nardaran for Paul Nicholls. He drifted badly in the market and after traveling well he looked to blow up in the straight and this nice looking type is one to keep onside. In the Mare's Handicap Hurdle I quite liked Royal Margaux back at Kempton on a decent surface and after traveling well she just couldn't pick up and finished 3rd (backed each-way) at 4/1. She is becoming frustrating now. The winner, Della Case Lunga, led all of the way and looks tough enough to take her place up in grade. I had a fair bet on Sir Gino in the Wayward Lad due to market confidence and the fact that no matter how good Ballyburn was, he was attempting to give 6 pounds to a Fighting Fifth winner. Ballyburn was never able to keep up with Sir Gino's jumping and the Henderson 4 year old put up one of the best chasing debuts I have ever seen. He will take some real stopping in the Arkle (Game Spirit may come next). In the Desert Orchid I really fancied the chances of Edwardstone and backed him at 7/2 (win only). He travelled and jumped well and even though he took the lead going into the home straight he couldn't hold off the late challenge of Soul Icon who was in receipt of 20 pounds. It is going to be difficult for Alan King to win another race with his stable star as he needs to avoid Jonbon (and Sir Gino). Boothill was still travelling well when he departed and it will be interesting to see where he goes next (perhaps Clarence House back at Ascot). The last 2 races didn't throw up much with Beachcomber winning by a distance in the handicap chase but the handicapper has since clobbered him for that and he will find life very tough going forward. Highstakesplayer threw in a very laboured performance and he is in danger of losing his form now. As for the last, well most of the front end of the market underperformed and it allowed the consistent Ooh Betty to add to her tally although she will find life harder now. Hansard ran well on his first run for a year and is one to keep an eye on. 

My final day of racing in 2024 was at Newbury and it opened with a Mare's Handicap Hurdle. I had backed Plantoroma who finished 4th after traveling strongly. She will need to show a bit more in a finish if she's going to break her duck. Tour Ovalie was given a good ride by Isabel Williams and is still progressive enough to suggest there could be more to come from her. Break My Soul once again looked set to enter the winners enclosure this season but like at Ascot, she tired late on and isn't really looking a betting prospect for the rest of the season. The favourite disappointed badly in the Maiden Hurdle and that opened the door for Peso to cash in and win at 18/1. He had finished 4th in an above average novice race at Chepstow earlier in the season and could build on this. Koapey led for much of the way and looked the most likely winner up the home straight and he should also be kept onside. Famous Five isn't a slick jumper or good traveller but he found plenty for pressure to win the Hallowe'en Trophy and I dare say there is more in the tank and if he can jump better there's certainly more races to be won. Skycutter ran quite flat but the drastic market drift suggested that was incoming. Jipcot bounced right back to form to run out a ready winner of the handicap hurdle over the intermediate trip and I suspect an attempt at the Coral Cup could well be on the cards. Mr Hope Street ran well and could still be competitive in big fields and I wouldn't give up on Rightsotom either. One of my main bets of the day came in the Mandarin and Henry's Friend (who I fancied for the Coral Gold Cup when he blundered badly down the back). He produced a quality effort here and ran out a ready winner at 7/2. He will reportedly be aimed at the Grand National now. My biggest bet of the day went on The New Lion in the Challow Hurdle. I have been so impressed with this horse so far this season and this victory in the Grade 1 was a proper class act. He never had to be asked any questions to win eased down. You could argue that Regent's Stroll underperformed and that the form of the race could be called into question but you cannot question how highly Dan Skelton holds him and I really do think he will take some stopping at the Cheltenham Festival. 

After 2 frustrating days punting at Kempton, it was good to end the year on a high with the two big winners at Newbury (Henry's Friend and The New Lion). It's been a proper up and down year but I'm happy going into 2025 and feel that it is going to be a real good'un!