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Category: Horse Racing

  • Free Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips | Lion In The Park

    Free Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips | Lion In The Park

    Episode four of the free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post tips article is here and I have a 10/1 Coral Cup selection to put up.

    Furthermore, this piece will provide fancies for this weekend’s selections across Ascot and Haydock.

    For the benefit of clarity, the last month or so has been on the rougher side for the column, and even though the P&L is at a loss for January and the start of February, it’s not too bad.

    Trials Day was a case of damage limitation to put the column at -5.8 for January and last week helped plug the DRF-shaped hole. The column is currently at -1.29 for the month, leaving the overall P&L (since March 2024) at +52.31.

    Anyway, let’s kick on.

    Free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post Tips

    Coral Cup – Be Aware @ 9/1 with Betfred – 1pt Win

    This week, I’m putting forward my first handicap selection for the Cheltenham Festival, and the weight of my money will be placed on Be Aware at 9/1 for the Coral Cup.

    He’s one of the market leaders, granted, but he has plenty of upsides, not just in the form book but also as an ante-post play.

    Firstly, he’s qualified. This will be a big thing for this season’s handicap hurdles as some trainers simply haven’t been able to get five runs over obstacles into them.

    The likes of Wingmen and James’s Gate are not qualified, and while Kitzbuhel also isn’t, he’s entered at Gowran Park tomorrow to complete his fifth run over hurdles.

    Kitzbuhel would be a worry, but beating Colonel Mustard last time out might just give him a rather lofty mark. He ran to an RPR of 146 at Punchestown in December, and he’s trained by Willie Mullins.

    Anyway, back to Be Aware as he’s qualified and he’s still unexposed. He beat Navajo Indy on hurdles debut last season, form that looks nice as the runner-up has won the Gerry Feilden since. He also chased home Joyeuse and Lump Sum in the William Hill Hurdle last weekend.

    He finished last season with an admirable run in the novices’ championship final at Sandown when second to Helnwein. The third, Steel Ally, chased home Lump Sum in the Welsh Champion Hurdle before winning a valuable handicap hurdle at Haydock in November.

    Secret Squirrel, the fifth, won a valuable Windsor handicap hurdle in January and the seventh, Fiercely Proud, beat Kabral Du Mathan in a valuable Ascot handicap hurdle in December.

    As for this season, Be Aware finished a good second in the Greatwood Hurdle behind Burdett Road who went on to finish third to Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle.

    He’s set to run in the Kingwell Hurdle this weekend, so hopefully he can frank the form.

    All in all, Be Aware looks to be well-handicapped off 137 and he looks like the type to improve for 2m4f.

    Weekend selections

    2:25 Ascot – Into The Park @ 18/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW

    Taking a chance here, but I’ve always liked Into The Park, and I’m hoping he can reward my faith at some stage.

    He didn’t win at Exeter in December, and that made me wonder if my eyes have deceived me, but he’s only six, so he probably is still working out the game.

    So, why is this horse in my good books? He’s not an old-timer dropping through the weights and he’s not a horse who has a blatant piece of recent form.

    However, the case to make comes from the stopwatch based on his win at Newbury in January 2024. I know, dangerous stuff.

    They went a crawl early on that day, so much so that Into The Park had to make the running forcibly. With some rudimentary timing, his effort from the third-last hurdle to the line was exactly the same as Be Aware who won the first division of the same maiden hurdle.

    Navajo Indy, the subsequent Gerry Feilden winner, was second to Be Aware that day, so the collateral form on the clock looks promising.

    Before that Newbury run, he finished an easy third at Taunton behind Joyeuse, the impressive William Hill Hurdle winner, and the now 125-rated Tutti Quanti. Into The Park gave seven and 13 pounds away respectively that day, so he looks nicely handicapped off 125 here.

    With two runs under his belt this season, the last of which was promising, he can land a surprise here.

    2:40 Haydock – Nemean Lion @ 4/1 with William Hill – 1pt Win

    I’m surprised to see Nemean Lion declared for the Rendlesham over the Kingwell Hurdle, but my surprise is positive as I think he can win this.

    Will he stay? Well, that isn’t a certainty, clearly, but he won over 1m4f on the Flat in France in 2020 and he placed in a Group 2 over 1m7f, so there’s hope that he can.

    Furthermore, looking at his win at Windsor last month, he travelled nicely and stayed on to beat Salver over 2m4f on soft ground.

    That was a step in the right direction, though there is still some uncertainty about whether he will see out the trip. In fairness, he won snugly over 2m3½f at Hereford in December, so he’s showing the right signs.

    Apart from that, his form is nice. That Windsor success last month was no walkover, and it’s easy to forget that he forced the pace in last season’s Champion Hurdle. He was there for much of the contest but was passed by faster, and better, rivals that day.

    He gave three pounds away to beat Colonel Mustard in last season’s Kingwell Hurdle, and his run in the 2023 Greatwood Hurdle with Lookaway and Luccia is nice.

    He gets the nod in what looks like a winnable race.

    3:15 Haydock – Galia Des Liteaux @ 10/1 with William Hill (3 places) – 1pt EW

    Galia Des Liteaux looks well-handicapped this weekend, and the addition of Tristan Durrell’s three-pound claim gives her a proper chance in the Grand National Trial.

    A few horses are running out of the handicap thanks to Royale Pagaille, notably Jubilee Express, Val Dancer, Git Maker, Famous Bridge, and Where It All Began.

    Galia Des Liteaux is rated 140 and carries 10-4, so she has that to her advantage.

    She hasn’t won a race in handicap company yet, but she finished second in the Classic Chase last season off 142 before finishing a fine eighth in the Grand National off 146.

    So, off 140 with Durrell’s three-pound claim, she looks well-treated.

    Furthermore, on her seasonal reappearance, she finished a nice second to Terresita over 2m4f when giving four pounds away. The winner is rated 15 pounds higher having won a nice Ascot handicap since.

    There’s potentially a small question mark over whether she truly stays a marathon trip having not won one of these long-distance races yet, but she was staying on behind My Silver Lining in the Classic Chase over 3m5f on soft ground when carrying 11-10.

    Good to soft Haydock ground over 3m4½f seems like similar conditions, but this time she has a racing weight of 10-4 (10-1 with Durrell’s claim) which is a stark difference.

    She gets my vote in the National Trial.

    3:37 Ascot – Pic d’Orhy @ 7/4 with William Hill – 2pt Win

    In the big Grade 1 contest of the weekend, Pic d’Orhy is the play.

    Emmet Mullins has warned that Corbetts Cross might not run, but even if he does, good ground around 2m5f surely won’t suit him.

    Similar ground/distance worries can be placed upon L’Homme Presse, Le Patron probably prefers softer conditions, and Flegmatik shouldn’t win this.

    Blue Lord is a small worry, but his recent form is really unencouraging, so using the power of deduction, the favourite looks solid here, and his price isn’t bad.

    Of course, there will be a Rule 4 is Corbetts Cross is a non-runner, but he should still pay above evens which is fine for last year’s winner.

    He smashed them in last year’s race having finished second to Banbridge, the subsequent King George winner, at Kempton on his previous run. He nearly won that day and his jump at the last probably didn’t help.

    Paul Nicholls has already said this in his Betfair preview, but this weekend is a bit of a home game for him, and I hope he can oblige.

  • Free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post Tips Newbury Super Saturday Preview

    Free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post Tips Newbury Super Saturday Preview

    It’s episode three of the Free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post Tips series and this piece includes an interesting 16/1 shot for the Ryanair Chase.

    Furthermore, my full bets for Newbury and Warwick on Saturday are included to enjoy.

    Last weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival claimed its fair share of victims, and I was one of them. Day two wasn’t too bad thanks to a couple of places, but day one was a complete blank, so we are off the bridle at the start of this month.

    Hopefully, the tides can change, so let’s dive in.

    Free Cheltenham Festival 2025 Ante-post Tips

    Heart Wood @ 16/1 with William Hill (3 places) – 1pt EW

    I’ve floated around this pick for a while, but I want to get Heart Wood in the book for the Ryanair Chase.

    He’s a progressive seven-year-old who has Grade 1 form in the book, notably when third to Inothewayurthinkin and Iroko at Aintree last season.

    The former has run two good races behind Galopin Des Champs this season and the latter has the Grand National on his agenda, so the form looks fair. Chianti Classico, an Ascot handicap chase winner off 152 in November, was in fourth, so that form has been franked.

    Before that Aintree run, Heart Wood bolted up in a handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival off 136. He was very well-handicapped that day, and the form of the race has worked out.

    James Du Berlais, the third, nearly won the Topham at Aintree subsequently and the likes of Inothewayurthinkin (9th) and Perceval Legallois (fell) went on to win after.

    However, it’s his run in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Christmas that appeals the most to me.

    He travelled strongly through the race, jumped well, and made an eye-catching move around the home turn.

    Ultimately, he didn’t stay the three-mile test against one of the greatest staying chasers in recent memory, but the run was still good, and Grangeclare West (6th) chased home Galopin Des Champs in the recent Irish Gold Cup.

    Heart Wood’s form from the Drinmore Novices’ Chase alongside Croke Park got a boost on the weekend as well, so his form is starting to stack up.

    He’s a big price, and while you’d have to be worried about Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, and Protektorat if they turned up, I’m happy to chance him.

    Saturday Selections

    3:00 Newbury – JPR One @ 6/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW

    The unfortunate lack of Sir Gino in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase does make it a betting race, and JPR One makes the most appeal at 9/1.

    My one worry is ground with him as Joe Tizzard is fairly insistent that he likes a better surface, and while this may be true, some of his best efforts have come in slower conditions.

    He posted a career-best when third to Jonbon in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase in December on soft and he won the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase on soft ground at Lingfield last season.

    Good to soft, soft in places, should therefore be fine for him, and Newbury tends to dry out faster than some over tracks.

    Away from that, his form stacks up. Matata is the favourite here at 2/1, and while I’m not denying he has improved this season, JPR One beat him fairly comfortably in the Lightning Novices’ Chase in January 2024.

    He beat Djelo, a subsequent Peterborough Chase winner, in the Haldon Gold Cup on his seasonal reappearance and then he ran a solid race behind Jonbon at Sandown one month later.

    Any Jonbon form is worth its weight in gold, and being beaten by roughly 10 lengths is virtually the same as what Edwardstone did in the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase last month.

    Furthermore, considering he gave Jonbon plenty of rope coming around the pond at Sandown in December, he did well to stay on as well as he did on soft ground.

    JPR One has plenty of form lines that give him an equal/better chance than some of his rivals, yet he is a 9/1 shot and the others are much shorter.

    For that reason, he is a bet.

    3:15 Warwick – Le Milos @ 3/1 with William Hill – 1pt Win

    I want to be on Le Milos when he next wins, and I hope Saturday is that day.

    He’s cost me a few pennies so far this season, but he wasn’t ridden correctly in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan at Newbury in November.

    His best efforts have come when picking off rivals and he was ridden from the front on that occasion, so I thought it was his day at Chepstow on Welsh National Day.

    Unfortunately, it wasn’t, but he was beaten by Lowry’s Bar who went on to chase home Jingko Blue in the Grade 2 Hampton Novices’ Chase.

    He’s dropped to a mark of 139 now, and considering I was happy to back him off 144 two starts ago when he was ‘well-handicapped’, he has to have a good chance at the weights.

    I think this race is easier than that Chepstow contest as well. Shakem Up’arry is on a tough mark and has one day in mind (the Plate at Cheltenham), and it seems like Fugitif has that same target as well.

    Furthermore, I wonder if Richard Hobson has kept Fugitif on the go in preparation for this or if he has had a few easy weeks to give him a nice chance of improving for the Festival.

    If the latter is the case, he might just need this run to fully put him spot on for March, though this is pure speculation on my part. This is a qualifier for a nice £100,000 final, after all.

    So, with a nice rating of 139 and Harry Skelton in the saddle, let’s hope Le Milos can return to the winners’ enclosure.

    3.35 Newbury – Givemefive @ 40/1 with William Hill – 0.5pt EW

    William Hill have Givemefive priced at a very big price of 40/1 in the William Hill Hurdle, and that is too big for a horse of his ability.

    Firstly, Harry Derham has always had this race in the back of his mind, ever since he won the Masterson Holdings Hurdle at Cheltenham in October.

    I’m not suggesting he’s been some plot for the race, but it makes his Windsor run at 28/1 when positioned towards the rear a little bit more understandable.

    That’s not to say that his last run was fine. It wasn’t, and Derham admitted this in his OLGB update with Ella McNeill on X, but his best runs over the last two years have come when he was positioned prominently.

    At Cheltenham in October, he beat Dodger Long and Bottler’secret quite comfortably. The latter has let the form down since, but Dodger Long ran a big race behind the exciting Anzadam at Fairyhouse in November.

    Furthermore, when looking at last season, his second to Kalif Du Berlais in the Adonis sticks out like a sore thumb. The winner is now rated 152 over fences and the third, Captain Marvellous, looked smart when winning at Warwick at the start of the season before sadly suffering a fatal injury.

    He has a bit to prove based on his last two runs, but I’m not willing to give up on him already. He was a half-decent Flat horse who has won on soft ground over hurdles, and he has the scope to improve from his official rating of 132.

    4:10 Newbury – Lord Of Thunder @ 10/3 with William Hill – 2pt Win

    Lord Of Thunder has to start winning over fences soon, and I’m hoping Saturday is when he starts doing so.

    Joe Tizzard hasn’t hidden what he thinks about this horse. He highlighted him as a novice chaser to follow at the start of the season, and he’s been campaigned fairly conservatively so far.

    He fell on chase debut at Cheltenham on good ground before a fine run at Exeter in December behind Lowry’s Bar, a Grade 2 runner-up subsequently.

    On his last start, he ran a really big race in the Grade 2 Towton Novices’ Chase behind Handstands who has gone on to win the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase subsequently.

    He didn’t even finish a distant second either; he travelled well around the home turn when a few were off the bridle, he jumped soundly, and he stayed on.

    Handstands probably had a bit more tactical speed on the day, but his effort was eye-catching, and this step up to three miles should suit.

    His only dives into handicaps have occurred this season, and excuses can be made about his first two outings (fell and potentially needed the run), so he is thoroughly unexposed.

    Admittedly, Herakles Westwood was good at Windsor last month, and Warren Greatrex is thinking of the National Hunt Chase for him.

    He’s a big danger, but here’s how I see both contenders. Because he’s a rapid improver in the handicap, we (as punters) are slightly taking it on trust that Herakles Westwood can continue to win off this new handicap mark.

    With Lord Of Thunder, there’s no need to have that element of chance. To my eye, he has confirmed form that suggests he’s better than his current mark of 129, and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong.

  • The Best 20 Horse Races of All Time for Betting

    The Best 20 Horse Races of All Time for Betting

    Horse racing has delivered some of the most thrilling and historic sporting moments ever witnessed. Whether it’s legendary horses, dramatic finishes, or monumental upsets, these races have captivated fans and racing bettors alike.

    Here, we count down the best 20 horse races of all time for betting on, highlighting the winners, bookmakers’ race odds, and their impact on horse racing history in 2025.

    1. The Grand National 1973 – Red Rum’s First Victory

    Red Rum, the greatest Grand National horse, secured his first of three victories in 1973 by chasing down Crisp in a dramatic finish. Crisp had led by 15 lengths before Red Rum caught him at the post.

    The winner’s odds were 9/1 on this race, making for a great pay out for those lucky enough to bet on Red Rum. Many consider this the best horse race of all time to bet on, with Red Rum taking hist first Grand National of three in this race.

    2. The 2009 Kentucky Derby – Mine That Bird’s Shocking Win

    Mine That Bird stunned the racing world with his 50/1 upset at Churchill Downs, making it one of the biggest surprises in Derby history and an unforgettable moment for longshot bettors.

    With £50 returns on every £1 staked on Mine That Bird, anyone lucky enough to bet on this horse would have loved cashing in at the bookies after the race. This is one of the most popular horse races for sports betting fans.

    3. The 1978 Belmont Stakes – Affirmed vs. Alydar

    In one of the most exciting Triple Crown races ever, Affirmed narrowly beat Alydar in all three races, completing the Belmont Stakes win at 6/5 odds in an epic duel.

    This was considered one of the best horses for horse bettors, with a massive amount of stakes being made at the bookies on these two horses.

    4. The 1989 Breeders’ Cup Classic – Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer

    Sunday Silence and Easy Goer battled down the stretch in one of the most intense finishes ever seen. Sunday Silence edged it at 2/1 odds, sealing his place in horse racing betting history.

    We believe this races goes down as one of the best races in betting for punters, many who cleaned up at the bookies on this race.

    5. The 1933 Epsom Derby – Hyperion’s Dominance

    Hyperion, one of the most celebrated horses in history, dominated the 1933 Epsom Derby, winning at odds of 4/1 and leaving a legacy that shaped modern breeding.

    This Epson Derby has huge interest from bettors with a huge amount of racing bets being placed on this horse. This race will go down as one of the most interesting in for betting in racing history, and one of the most popular races for betting in the early 20th century.

    6. The 2015 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Golden Horn’s Triumph

    Golden Horn defied expectations with a stunning victory at 9/2 odds, beating some of the best in European racing.

    Many experience racing punters had bet on Golden Horn and those lucky gamblers did well at the bookies that day.

    7. The 1970 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Nijinsky’s Masterclass

    Nijinsky, the last UK Triple Crown winner, dazzled at Ascot, cementing his place as one of the greatest horses of all time.

    Bookies were unlikely overly surprise as Nijinsky romped home in first place that day.

    8. The 1990 Melbourne Cup – Kingston Rule’s Record Time

    At odds of 7/1, Kingston Rule set the fastest time in Melbourne Cup history, a record that still stands today.

    In hindsight perhaps those 7/1 odds should have been closer to 3/1, as Kingston Rule romped home in a record time that surprised most bookmakers that day.

    9. The 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Native River’s Epic Battle

    Native River and Might Bite engaged in a thrilling duel, with Native River winning at 5/1 odds in one of the greatest Cheltenham finishes ever.

    Bookies and bettors alike were sweating over a close finish with Native River pipping Might Bite at the post.

    10. The 1973 Belmont Stakes – Secretariat’s Unbeatable Record

    Secretariat destroyed the field by 31 lengths, completing the Triple Crown and winning at 1/10 odds, still the fastest Belmont ever.

    There was no in-play betting back then, if there was the bookies would’ve been paying out halfway round the course!

    11. The 1993 Grand National – The Race That Never Was

    A false start led to one of the most infamous races in history, with Esha Ness “winning” in a voided race.

    This was a highly controversial betting market for the bookies that probably still haunts most of them.

    12. The 2011 Dubai World Cup – Victoire Pisa’s Shock Victory

    Victoire Pisa won at a massive 12/1 odds, surprising bettors worldwide in one of the richest horse races.

    13. The 1986 Arc de Triomphe – Dancing Brave’s Legendary Finish

    At 6/4 odds, Dancing Brave unleashed an astonishing late run, cementing his place in racing folklore.

    Any racing bettors lucky enough to bet on Dancing Grave, would have enjoyed slim odds, which turned out to be fair after this horse took the lead right at the end of the race in an epic finish for racing betting fans.

    14. The 2005 Epsom Derby – Motivator’s Triumph

    Motivator stormed home at 3/1 odds, delivering a memorable Classic win.

    For those motivated enough to take the 3/1 odds available before the face, they really enjoyed a highly exciting race and finish.

    15. The 1999 Belmont Stakes – Lemon Drop Kid’s Surprise

    Lemon Drop Kid shocked everyone with a 29/1 victory, ruining Charismatic’s Triple Crown bid.

    Anyone one lucky enough to bet on this outsider in this race would have got anything from 25/1 to 40/1 before the race.

    16. The 2012 Grand National – Neptune Collonges by a Nose

    At 33/1 odds, Neptune Collonges won the closest Grand National ever, thrilling punters.

    Those bettors lucky enough to stake on Neptune Collonges at a health 33/1 would have been smashing the bookies doors down to collect their winnings after these impressive lengthy odds.

    17. The 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Arkle’s Dominance

    Arkle crushed the field at 4/6 odds, starting his legendary status as one of the greatest jumpers ever.

    A firm bookies favourite before the race, the bookies turned out to be right as this odds-on favourite smashed the opposition.

    18. The 2010 Kentucky Derby – Super Saver’s Triumph

    Super Saver gave jockey Calvin Borel another Derby win at 8/1 odds.

    This reliable Derby winner repeatedly beat the bookies odds that fluctuated at around 8/1 to 12/1.

    19. The 1992 Breeders’ Cup Classic – A.P. Indy’s Victory

    A.P. Indy dominated at 2/1 odds, showing his class on the biggest stage.

    A firm favourite with the bookies before the race, AP Indy proved he has ahead of the field, and those 2/1 odds before the race were pretty fair despite a competitive field.

    20. The 2003 Melbourne Cup – Makybe Diva’s First of Three

    At 7/1 odds, Makybe Diva started her Melbourne Cup dynasty with her first of three wins.

    One of the most famous Melbourne Cups for bettors ever, this enthralling race for bettors ended up with a fair 7/1 winner.

    Our The Best 20 Horse Races of All Time for Betting Summary

    These legendary races provided breathtaking moments, huge betting upsets, and legendary performances.

    Whether you’re looking for historical insights or great betting tips, BestOfBets.com is your go-to source for everything Horse Racing including Racing Tips, Racing Insights and Free Racing Bets.

  • Dublin Racing Festival Day 2 | Duty calls

    Dublin Racing Festival Day 2 | Duty calls

    Yesterday didn’t go to plan at all, but we’re back to hopefully find a few winners on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival.

    Yes, yesterday’s selections didn’t go as planned, but it was fun to sit back and appreciate Galopin Des Champs in all his glory.

    What a horse. What a performance. What a legend.

    Anyway, let’s roll.

    Dublin Racing Festival Day 2 Selections

    2:25 Musselburgh – Cadell @ 13/2 with William Hill (4 places) – 1pt EW

    Starting at Musselburgh, the Edinburgh National is a race that Lucinda Russell tends to target as she’s won two of the last four renewals.

    This year, Cadell is her main contender, and there’s a fine case to make for him.

    He’s relatively unexposed having bolted up at Wetherby on good ground in November when beating Farnoge (rated 132 over hurdles).

    He went on to run a good race in the Grade 2 Esher Novices’ Chase in December and the race is working out well.

    The winner, Handstands, has won a Grade 1 and 2 since, and he has really thrown himself into the Cheltenham Festival picture having beaten Jango Baie on Saturday.

    A mark of 132 looks workable and there’s no guarantee he’s shown his true cards just yet.

    2:45 Leopardstown – Monbeg Park @ 8/1 with William Hill (5 places) – 1pt EW

    A switch to handicaps could be the making of Monbeg Park and he is one of two plays in the 2m5f handicap chase.

    He was a horse to follow of mine for the 2023/24 season, but his campaign was ultimately disappointing. However, there is some form to cling into.

    On chase debut, he finished fourth to Il Etait Temps, a subsequent three-time Grade 1 novice chase winner, and he then won comfortably at Wexford in July 2024.

    He’s turned into a more consistent horse this season and he has run into some nice horses so far, notably Gorgeous Tom (beaten by a length in a Grade 1 last time out) and Jordans (second to Impaire Et Passe in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase).

    A mark of 138 is on the high side, but Tiernan Power Roche’s 5lb claim is useful and he has a chance in the conditions.

    2:45 Leopardstown – Riaan @ 16/1 General (5 places) – 1pts EW

    Riaan finished second in this race last year off a 4lb higher mark, so he has a chance to go one place better this year.

    12 months ago, he travelled like the second-best horse into the race and he ran into Heart Wood who was rated 136 at the time. Heart Wood has a rating of 159 now having finished fourth behind Galopin Des Champs in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Christmas.

    Furthermore, the third, James Du Berlais, nearly won the Topham two starts later. James Du Berlais runs in this race again and is 7lbs wrong at the weights with Riaan yet he is much shorter in the betting.

    When looking back on his run in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, the eight-year-old by Diamond Boy was travelling very well before almost falling at the fourth-last.

    Without that mistake, who knows where he would have finished, but at the time, he was going well.

    With his rating and his run in this race last year, he has to have a chance here.

    3:50 Leopardstown – Relieved Of Duties @ 14/1 with William Hill (5 places) – 1pt EW

    Bit of a typical play here, but Relieved Of Duties is making his handicap debut having run into a potential (and I stress the word ‘potential’) Supreme winner on his last start.

    The six-year-old by Sholokhov had a tough time of things last time out. It was a slow pace, which didn’t suit, and he had a rough route through before the final hurdle.

    So, considering that was a decent Grade 2, he ran well in the circumstances.

    The handicapper has given Relieved Of Duties an opening mark of 134 which gives him a chance of winning, especially when you consider that he bolted up at Cork on December 13th.

    That day at Cork saw him clock a three-second quicker time than the handicap hurdle won by Robbies Rock over the same course and distance. Robbies Rock, rated 105 at the time, carried 13lbs less and was driven out compared to Relieved Of Duties, so that seems like a good marker to base off.

    Robbies Rock also finished fourth in a Listed handicap hurdle at Limerick on his next start.

    Furthermore, Relieved Of Duties beat Magic McColgan at Cork who went on to win a Punchestown handicap hurdle despite making a big mistake at the final hurdle.

    I’ll chance the unexposed novice dropping into handicap company.

  • Five To Follow Dublin Racing Festival Day One

    Five To Follow Dublin Racing Festival Day One

    The road to the Festival starts now. After Cheltenham we have a double helping of trials over in Ireland with the highly prestigious Dublin Racing Festival. Plus Grade One action in the UK comes in the form of the Scilly Isles Novice’s Chase. Jam-packed action on the way.

    Dublin Racing Festival

    Victory Shout

    1:15 – Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade One )– Sounds Victorious @ 7/1 (William Hill)

    This race often throws a slight upset to proceedings, with only four favourites winning in the past 10 years. However, there does seem to be a trend with horses winning over two-and-a-half miles particularly over Christmas and New Year. Sounds Victorious ticked that box when getting off the mark over hurdles at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. He has the pedigree to stay further and often a Mullins second or third pick comes up trumps at this meeting.

    At a price, I like Sommesky. Henry de Bromhead is often the bridesmaid at the Dublin Racing Festival with Willie Mullins taking all the plaudits. But Sommesky can fly under the radar at a big price. He improved stepping up in trip winning at Limerick impressively by 6.5L over Christmas and also has a three-mile pedigree. Worth a place at 20/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports).

    Lady Of The Land

    1:50 – Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade One) – Lady Vega Allen @ 100/30 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    There’s been a lot of chat around Lady Vega Allen, more than stablemate Sainte Lucie. It’s clear that Willie Mullins and the team like her a lot and expect a lot of potential to come from her once she grows further into her racing. Last time over course and distance she was narrowly beaten by a short head to Hello Neighbour. With Mullins the trainer to follow, Lady Vega Allen can go one better and land her first big prize.

    If You’re Young Enough…

    2:55 – Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade One) – Majborough @ 4/6 (William Hill, Unibet, Boylesports)

    I immediately fell in love with Majborough when he made his debut at this Festival last year and was even more impressed, not just in the Triumph Hurdle but, on chasing debut. Despite Ile Atlantique making big strides over fences including landing the Racing Post Novice Chase and the highest rated in the field, it’s clear that Majborough is an impressive talent as a novice chaser at five-years-old.

    Champion Once More

    3:30 – Irish Gold Cup (Grade One) – Galopin Des Champs @ 4/7 (Unibet)

    He will win. Galopin Des Champs is the most talented chaser this decade. Unbeaten at Leopardstown and an outright champion, the rest won’t lay a glove on him.

    But who will finish in behind, is the real question of the race? I’ve gone with Monty’s Star to place in the top-three. He was beaten by Embasssy Gardens at Tramore, in a slight shock given that Tramore is Henry de Bromhead’s local track but this progressive eight-year-old is consistent. Whilst he may not grab a Grade One the best he can finish is runner-up. He ran a cracker at the Punchestown Festival and was runner-up at Cheltenham too. Arguably with that run behind him he should improve and finish best of the rest at 11/1 (William Hill, Boylesports).

    Sandown

    Baie All The Way

    2:35 – Scilly Isles Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Jango Baie @ 5/6 (General)

    Whilst I have been impressed with Handstands, I don’t consider him to be Grade One material. Whilst Jango Baie, looked like a professional making his debut at Cheltenham. Without Impaire Et Passe in the line-up it becomes a much easier task for the Seven Barrows team and is top rated. Kalif Du Berlais looks for the hat-trick but untried at two-and-a-half miles casts doubt.

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips Dublin

    Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips Dublin

    Article number two of the Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips series is here and it comes alongside my fancies for day one at the Dublin Racing Festival.

    We finished January with an eye-catching run thanks to successes with Gowel Road and Petit Tonnerre, but we still ran at a loss for the month. For the benefit of clarity, that was the first losing month in eight, which isn’t too bad.

    Let’s hope February can provide some positive news to write about, so let’s dive in.

    Cheltenham Festival Ante-post Tips

    The Big Westerner @ 8/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW

    Week two of the Cheltenham Ante-post tips is sticking with the novice hurdles having put up Potters Charm for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last week.

    Look, a quick line on him, we’re on at the wrong price. I tried to make a play by getting him on side at 7/1 in the hope that he would be 4/1 by Saturday evening, but that didn’t go to plan.

    We took a chance and that didn’t go to plan, unfortunately.

    This play is on a horse who is going straight to the Cheltenham Festival as I fancy The Big Westerner to win the Albert Bartlett.

    It looks like The Yellow Clay is heading straight to the race, and Final Demand is set to run in the Nathaniel Lacy this weekend. The way I see Final Demand is if he wins nicely on Saturday, he runs in the Turners. If he gets beaten, he could be a Bartlett horse, but even at that point, his reputation will take a small hit.

    Bar Jet Blue (and whether he comes over), I’m not too concerned about her potential opponents, so The Big Westerner has to be the bet.

    She was impressive in the Grade 2 at Limerick on Boxing Day despite the race not running to suit.

    The early pace was slow for a contest run on yielding to soft, and she was situated three-wide most of the way around.

    When the pace ramped up, she travelled very sweetly and never looked fazed, which was highly impressive.

    The second, Mozzies Sister, and fourth, Fleur In The Park, finished second and third to The Yellow Clay on their previous starts, so the form of the race isn’t bad.

    Being a half-sister to Stay Away Fay, the 2023 Albert Bartlett winner, is nice to have on her side as well, and I think she will be tough to give 7lbs away to on the day.

    Dublin Racing Festival Selections

    1:50 Leopardstown – Lady Vega Allen @ 7/2 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

    I’m taking a chance that Lady Vega Allen will reverse the form with Hello Neighbour from Leopardstown on the weekend.

    Very similar to last year, Willie Mullins is sending this four-year-old filly into her second start of the season having finished second in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown on stable debut in December.

    He did it last year with Kargese and she improved notably for the run, so there’s hope he can do the same with this four-year-old by Saint Des Saints.

    Speaking of her first start on Boxing Day, she did well considering she was positioned out the back of the field before storming home to finish a close, close second.

    Mullins was impressed by the run and he gave a nice word to her during his stable tour earlier this week. Yes, it’s dangerous to read too much into trainer comments sometimes, but he was remarkably upbeat.

    Furthermore, she comes from a nice family as her dam, Sivega, is a full sister to Quevega.

    4/1 seems fair, so she is my pick.

    4:05 Leopardstown – Ha d’Or @ 20/1 with BetVictor (4 places) – 0.5pt EW

    There’s a case to make that if Ha d’Or returns to his best form, he could be well-handicapped in this field.

    On his chase debut, he smashed up The Goffer (rated 136) over 2m5f before finishing a creditable second to Indiana Jones at Navan in March 2023. He had Flame Bearer behind him that day who went on to beat Sir Gerhard in a Grade 1 two starts later.

    As a novice hurdler, he gave El Fabiolo a race at Punchestown and plenty of his form tied in with the previously mentioned Flame Bearer.

    His recent form hasn’t shown too much, but he was sent off 11/10 to win a Punchestown handicap chase in April 2023 before falling at the ninth fence.

    He was positioned prominently that day as well, so the fact he was held up towards the rear on his latest start at Fairyhouse suggests he needed the run after a 413-day break.

    He’s a slightly windy play, but he’s a big price for a horse rated 139 with his promising form, and I hope he came on for the run 21 days ago.

    4:05 Leopardstown – Fascile Mode @ 17/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

    Although Ha d’Or was my early fancy in this race, I’m keen to keep Fascile Mode on side in this contest.

    I’ve always liked this horse, ever since he beat Lecky Watson on debut at odds of 16/1. Although Lecky Watson is a bit of a stayer these days, beating him with the turn of foot that he showed is good form.

    Although his proceeding races didn’t go to plan, notably when well-beaten by Farren Glory in the Royal Bond and Caldwell Potter in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle, he’s still held decent company over hurdles and fences.

    In June 2024, he beat Ash Tree Meadow over hurdles when the runner-up was priced at 1/3 and Fascile Mode gave 13lbs away that day. Although Ash Tree Meadow is better over fences, he was race-fit and is rated 158 over the larger obstacles.

    As for Fascile Mode over fences, he beat Touch Me Not on chase debut who went on to win a Grade 2 at Punchestown before finishing second to L’Eau Du Sud in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.

    Fascile Mode was a bit sketchy over his fences at Punchestown in December, so I want to play him win-only in case he jumps his chances away, but he looks well-treated off 135 in this company.

    British Racing Tips

    2:17 Musselburgh – Balhambar @ 6/1 with BetVictor (4 places) – 1pt EW

    The Scottish County Hurdle is a wide-open contest, but I think Balhambar could get his first win of the season.

    He’s on a career-high mark now, but his last two runs came in hot handicaps full of unexposed horses.

    The first to mention is his third at Cheltenham in November when behind Wreckless Eric. He travelled well and arguably hit the front too soon, but he battled well up the Cheltenham hill to finish third.

    The winner went on to run an eye-catching race behind Mirabad, a County Hurdle chance, before finishing third in a good Windsor handicap.

    He ran a good race at Southwell to finish second to Alnilam on New Year’s Day and he probably just gave the winner a bit too much rope in the end.

    He can run well off 122 and trainer Harry Derham has a lifetime record of 3/7 at Musselburgh.

    3:07 Sandown – Flight Deck @ 25/1 with BetVictor – 1pt EW

    In 2023, I managed to back Mahon’s Glory (trumpet) when he won at Kempton in a handicap on Boxing Day because he ran in the Long Distance Hurdle as a prep.

    He wasn’t going to win the Long Distance Hurdle, but he used it as a nice freshen up, and I’m hoping I’ve caught onto a similar scenario with Flight Deck for the Deborah Cole team.

    Admittedly, this is probably a different situation as the Getaway gelding ran in the 2023 renewal when finishing a very good third behind Dashel Drasher and Paisley Park, so I’m sure connections wanted to go back for a second try in 2024.

    However, that doesn’t mean that the outcome has to be different to Mahon’s Glory.

    The 11-year-old did the donkey work at Newbury in November which was always going to be tough for a horse of his ability against the likes of Strong Leader and Monmiral.

    While Strong Leader has let down the form since, Monmiral was good in the Cleeve Hurdle earlier this month to give the form some weight.

    Flight Deck ran with plenty of credit that day for a horse who was 20lbs wrong at the weights with the winner, 8lbs wrong with the runner-up, and 24lbs wrong with the third (Langer Dan).

    He maintained a Grade 2 pace for the majority of the contest and his jumping didn’t falter too much.

    Back into handicap company will suit him a lot better, and his current rating gives him a good chance based on his previous form.

    His last handicap win, admittedly, came in December 2022, but he won comfortably off 137 that day having won off 133 four starts previously. He also finished third to Hyland, now rated 147 over fences, in a Cheltenham handicap off 142.

    He’s gone well fresh before, notably when behind Hyland (224-day break), so this little 64-day break ahead of Saturday looks promising and he’s a winner on soft and heavy before.

    With the useful Ellis Collier taking 5lbs off, Flight Deck should go close at a big price.

  • Four To Follow Cheltenham Trials Week One

    Four To Follow Cheltenham Trials Week One

    The road to the Festival starts now. We begin at the home of jumps racing for the prestigious Trials Day, where plenty of clues will be laid out for many of the graded contests. Plus there’s some Northern Trails up at Doncaster where the feature handicap of the day is the Great Yorkshire Chase. Let’s dive into it.

    Cheltenham

    Roko Redemption

    1:50 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Iroko @ 9/2 (General)

    There’s plenty to like about Iroko’s chances and he should suit this trip over the fences. He was a former winner over the Martin Pipe and has been seen staying further. But this looks ideal. He can recover after being very unlucky falling at Ascot just before Christmas. This rates an exciting opportunity to possibly to put him in the Ryanair, or the Plate if he’s not successful.

    Imperial Saint is possibly the most likeable horse going this season. Three wins from four starts has seen him skyrocket up the rankings and he’s won in imperious style too. On Boxing Day, he recorded that third victory at Aintree for the third time. There may be an argument that he prefers flat tracks to more undulating ones like Cheltenham, but he’s a relentless galloper which will suit him on the New Course. 5/1 (Unibet).

    Lay Down The Law

    3:35 – Cleeve Hurdle (Grade Two) – Ga Law @ 9/1 (BetVictor)

    This looks to be the most competitive Cleeve Hurdle in recent years. Both Crambo and Strong Leader, Grade One winners in their own right, have a poor record at Cheltenham. Ga Law is more likely to be seen over fences and ran a great race in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. This run will protect his handicap mark and will be feared now tackling hurdles.

    Potter Trials

    4:10 – AIS Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Potters Charm @ 5/6 (Unibet)

    Potters Charm is possibly the most exciting novice hurdler in Britain at the moment and will rival any Irish raider at the Festival. For now, he returns to a track where he’s won at twice this season over both two and two-and-a-half miles. Now a Grade One winner over two miles, he steps back up in trip in what should be a successful trial.

    Wade Out is quite exciting as a novice hurdler. He should be respected from the Olly Murphy stable and has won twice this season, placing second at Ascot. This is a big step up in trip and grade but will give it a good crack. Possible pace angle as well, given the fact he set a slow pace at Lingfield previously and may make it difficult for the rest. 14/1 (General).

    Doncaster

    Forward Showing

    3:15 – Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Forward Plan @ 11/2 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Forward Plan has a great record at this track with one win and two placings at Doncaster in three outings here. He just lost by a nose in last year’s contest and is back to a similar mark with a claiming jockey taking 10 pounds off. He races consistently in these sorts of handicaps and will not be far away once more.

    Each-way value falls the way of Idalko Bihoue. He’s lightly raced and hasn’t found a win since Cheltenham in November 2023. He has fallen sharply in the handicap and races off an attractive mark. The ground a Doncaster very rarely turns soft and if he’s got plenty of gallop in him he may need it, as the final fences up the homestraight may be missed out due to low sun. 12/1 (BetVictor).

    Tightenourbelts seeks a hat-trick and is up in grade today. Last time he was very impressive at Ludlow beating Neon Moon by 13L. Looks to be in the form of his life and looks to relish this trip, plus is relatively unexposed too with only three starts over three miles and two wins. More than an each-way shot. 14/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow Bets Been A While

    Four To Follow Bets Been A While

    It’s only been the two weeks since a Four To Follow, however we return to action with a bang with the Grade One Clarence House Chase featuring a ding-dong battle between two heavyweight chasers. Plus a surprise entry in the Warfield. Then Haydock has some good premier action with the Peter Marsh Chase included.

    Ascot

    Back After A While

    1:40 – Warfield Mares’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Kargese @ 4/7 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    It’s surprising that Kargese reappears here, just a little over eight weeks until the Cheltenham Festival. She’s a two-time Grade One winner and placed behind both Majborough and Sir Gino in two other Grade One’s. Against the British Mares’, she should find this an incredibly easy task. Especially, making her appearance after a while off the track.

    Once more I am sticking with Punchestown Festival winner Casa No Mento to record her best finish this season. She didn’t offer much over fences at Bangor and pulled up on reappearance in a Listed hurdle at Kempton. However, she seems to go better right-handed which suits today after picking up wins at Hereford and Punchestown earlier in her career. On song she’s the best of the Brits. 10/1 (General).

    Trés Bon

    3:32 – Clarence House Chase (Grade One) – Jonbon @ 8/13 (General)

    It’s a two-horse race at the end of the day, but it’s a race we have dreamed of. The late Shishkin got the better of this Irish foe two years ago, but he ran game that day in defeat. In the Hilly Way, Energumene was much the best and the form has worked out with Banbridge (who unseated at the last that day) winning the King George subsequently. Plus, unlike Jonbon, he does have that title of Champion Chaser, for which he did not earn by divine right.

    However, Jonbon has looked a different beast this season. He made all and was always doing enough in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, before routing the field in the Tingle Creek Chase. Many will say that his opposition has never really been quality, but he has beaten Grade One chasers throughout his career. He has every right to collar Energumene, who is two years his elder. Nicky Henderson always does well with top level two-mile chasers. Jonbon can carry on the tradition.

    Haydock

    Heroic Surprise?

    1:55 – Rossington Main Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Dedicated Hero @ 4/1 (General)

    Favourite Royal Infantry has the course and ground knowhow and demolished the field back in November and has the addition of an in-from jockey. Yet I find myself drawn to Sandy Thomson’s talented novice. Dedicated Hero has been seen best over two miles and won his last Kelso maiden hurdle by 7.5L on soft ground. He’s continually progressive, and it what looks like a weak renewal of the race there could be some advantage to him.

    Royale Return

    2:30 – Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Royale Pagaille @ 2/1 (General)

    Four-time course and distance winner Royale Pagaille has won this race twice carrying top weight twice on particularly heavy ground. He still showed he’s got plenty still left in the tank and has the beating of the young whippersnappers who concede weight from him all round. It will not make a difference to someone who is undoubtedly a Haydock legend.

    Who could potentially rival him? Well, Iwilldoit has been in some good form of late particularly producing an eye-catching run in the Welsh National coming from the clouds, literally, to place third. Undoubtedly a staying chaser who may have spring targets in mind and this may potentially prove to be a difficult task nonetheless. 9/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Windsor Winter Million Day 1 Tips Silence is Deafening

    Windsor Winter Million Day 1 Tips Silence is Deafening

    ITV cameras turn to Windsor on Friday as day one of the Berkshire Winter Million Meeting kicks off.

    This meeting is shaping up to be a big one. Yes, declarations for Windsor on Friday are slightly disappointing, but some top-class horses are running at the Winter Million Meeting, and we also have the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday to look forward to.

    January has been a slow starter for the column so far, but we haven’t staked too much at the same time, so it’s a case of damage limitation currently.

    I feel like this weekend could have a big say on how the P/L sits at the turn of the month.

    Anyway, let’s find some bets.

    Winter Million Meeting Day 1 Tips

    1:15 Windsor – Deafening Silence @ 3/1 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

    I’m slightly priced in to backing Deafening Silence in the second race at Windsor on Saturday as I’ve waited patiently for his handicap debut over fences.

    3/1 is on the tight side, but there were plenty of positives to take from his run at Haydock on chase debut behind Trelawne and Iroko.

    Harry Skelton positioned him off the pace under a restrained ride and he jumped well for much of the contest.

    He stayed on to finish a comfortable third which was pleasing as it was his first run of the season and the front two were given plenty of rope to win the race.

    His last run behind Jango Baie at Cheltenham was poor, but it was decent ground and he does prefer softer conditions.

    Stepping up to three miles for the first time under rules is appreciated as he won his only point-to-point in December 2021 when beating Sine Nomine by seven lengths.

    I’m fairly sure this horse is better than his mark of 133, and while Myretown and Johnnywho are respectable opponents, I hope things fall into place tomorrow.

    1:50 Windsor – Caldwell Potter @ 6/5 with BetVictor – 2pt Win

    Apologies for this shortie, but I think Caldwell Potter will win the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase, and I don’t think he’s badly priced.

    Yes, he was disappointing at Cheltenham in December, but I thought the reaction was a bit over the top.

    Asking if his new owners had kept their receipt for the €740,000 purchase was harsh because he did plenty of things well alongside his not-so-great moments.

    His jumping was slick and accurate and he travelled powerfully from the front for a long way. Yes, he was swept aside after the last, but it’s easy to forget that his seasonal reappearance was 12 days prior and Springwell Bay has gone some way to frank the form already.

    Jango Baie is a horse I love as well, so getting beaten by him is no major problem.

    Returning to two miles will work, as will the expected soft ground, and I think he will win. If he loses and there is no major issue during the race, I will be disappointed.

    3:00 Windsor – Nemean Lion @ 6/1 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

    Nemean Lion is I’ve not really backed before, and I’ve always found a way to take him on, but he appeals the most in the 2m4f £100,000 conditions hurdle.

    Firstly, conditions are set to suit. He likes softer ground and this trip should work for him.

    Yes, he’s a serial winner over the minimum trip, but he easily brushed aside 2m3f at Hereford last time out in a race he could have won by 15 lengths.

    Connections have seemingly wanted to run him over further for a little while now as he ran in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle last season, but that was probably a step too far, and he did run over 1m7f on the Flat for his previous trainer Andre Fabre.

    His form of beating the two colonels, Colonel Mustard and Colonel Harry, over hurdles stacks up nicely, and doing the donkey work in the 2024 Champion Hurdle deserves respect.

    He’s a tempting price to chance win-only.

    4:08 Windsor – Hugos New Horse @ 8/1 with Boylesports (4 places) – 1pt EW

    I think now is the time to strike with Hugos New Horse who is nicely handicapped based on previous form.

    Paul Nicholls gave him a run over hurdles at Newbury on November 29th to blow the cobwebs off, and he nearly won at Plumpton 18 days later on his first start over the larger obstacles.

    He did well that day for a number of reasons. Diplomatic Ash (not named after me, I believe) was consistently jumping out to his right and into Hugos New Horse, eight fences of the 14 were omitted due to low sun which didn’t suit, and one can argue he will improve fitness-wise for the run again.

    To go from massively needing the run on November 29th to absolutely 100% fully fit on December 16th doesn’t quite check out in my head, so with two runs and a nice 32-day break, he should have no excuses on Friday.

    As for his form, he finished third to Crambo in the 2023 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown with Etalon, now rated 16lbs higher over fences, one place behind.

    He also beat Persian Time (132) and Passing Well (123) on his final start of that season up at Ayr in a 2m4f novices’ hurdle.

    I’m convinced this eight-year-old is well-in off 124 and I’m hopeful that this 2m6f trip will suit him nicely.

  • Sandown Veterans Final Day | Exciting rating

    Sandown Veterans Final Day | Exciting rating

    January started poorly for the column with a blank at Cheltenham on Wednesday, but I’m hoping for different success on Sandown Veterans Final Day on Saturday.

    It’s a tough day for action in the UK tomorrow, but I’ve found a few bets that I’m hoping will go well.

    Let’s dive in.

    12:40 Sandown – Xcitations @ 4/1 with BoyleSports – 1pt Win

    The market is dominated by two unexposed horses who are on career-high marks in the two-mile handicap chase, and while I respect them, I think Xcitations is a fine bet.

    He’s down to a mark of 125 which is 9lbs below his last winning mark, and that success came over course and distance in November 2023.

    He has also won off 133, 130, 128, and 120 before, so his mark of 125 makes him well-treated here.

    During his last success, he beat Western Zephyr who has improved 8lbs since thanks to a win at Carlisle and a good run behind L’Eau Du Sud at Cheltenham.

    Xcitations also ran a good race off 138 at Newbury in December 2023 when behind two subsequent Grade 1 winners, Elixir De Nutz and Master Chewy.

    So, in a winnable race, I’m chancing Pam Sly’s 10-year-old.

    1:15 Sandown – Fine Casting @ 6/1 with BoyleSports (3 places) – 1pt EW

    I backed Fine Casting at Lingfield last month and he ran into a well-handicapped horse, so I’m hoping I can get paid on Saturday instead.

    He travelled like the winner from a long way out last time out, and even though the handicapper has given him 2lbs for the effort, that still puts him 4lbs below his last winning mark.

    Furthermore, he’s run well at Sandown before, notably when fourth off 129 in the 2023 Imperial Cup, and some of his chase form is progressively working out well.

    On New Year’s Day last year, he finished a fine third to Libberty Hunter and Matata. The winner went on to bolt up off 144 at Cheltenham in December and the runner-up placed behind JPR One on his next start before winning a Cheltenham handicap off 150 four starts later.

    I think he’s well-handicapped and the naturally softer conditions at Sandown will suit him nicely.

    2:25 Sandown – Aston Martini @ 5/1 with BoyleSports  – 1pt Win

    In what is a wide-open Listed contest, Aston Martini could be the answer for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

    In his At The Races stable tour at the start of the season, Henderson said: “We might try her over fences in time, but she has some unfinished business over hurdles before that and has a very bright future.”

    Those are some nice words that could be true based on some of her form.

    At Lingfield last year, she beat Ooh Betty and Only By Night which is a piece of form that’s worked out nicely,

    The second, Ooh Betty, chased home Golden Ace at Cheltenham in April before winning two races in handicap company this season, and the third, Only By Night, bolted up in a Grade 2 mares’ novice chase at Cork last month.

    Although she was beaten on her first two starts this season, they were both in handicap company against the boys, so a return to conditions company against her own gender looks like a positive.

    She’s a nice price and I think she can hit the frame.