Saturday 18th January
By SP2A Analysis
Navan 1.10 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 20 run - Soft > dying
The conundrum here is how quickly the ground will dry out, if it does then the likes of Barry Lyndon would be a real danger. A few have their first Hurdle runs in quite a while including Thecompanysargeant, who has moved to the in form Cromwell yard and Music Of Tara who has moved to the Elliott yard. Koori Star is a solid if unspectacular favourite and I was left mostly unimpressed by the chances of the majority and a pair I was very confident about at really nice prices and 2 others to note with certain enhanced odds to 5th place.
ESPANITO BELLO is very interesting back over Hurdles off a very competitive looking mark and I thought showed clear signs of finding better form and crucially race fitness last time out over Fences. It's an interesting move back to Hurdles but the stats are very compelling and it's well worth a nice each way punt. JIGORO runs for Elliott and was a Course winner over 2 miles as a Novice in very impressive fashion. Highly tried since and frankly disappointing on occasions, I do think though that this is a horse who can win when it finds a level and who can build confidence from there and I'll be disappointed if we don't see a distinctly better run today.
The pair I think are well worth secondary each way bets are the lower but still nicely priced MUSIC OF TARA (already mentioned back over hurdles) who was an emphatic winner off a hurdle mark of 115 in early days and 122 looks a very nice mark here and BLAZE THE WAY up 7lbs, dropped in trip and one who may yet not have found its ceiling. (Sean)
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Ascot 2.50 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 2 miles 3 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Good to Soft
Henderson runs three here in what has always looked to me to be the "Henderson Show" prior to Cheltenham, if they can prise themselves away from eulogising about Jonbon they may even give this race a worthy mention.
RJ is in the chair for this one and whilst fearing Aston Martini, a possible improver for Henerson and his other runners, Doddiethegreat, who hasn't won since 2023 but who may click at some point and Bo Zenith, upped in trip and one who could be quite prodigious, he believes there is value elsewhere.
Josh The Boss may prefer better ground, Altobelli is already in the Tracker and the Fry yard is finally showing signs of stirring and will be a danger if the new headgear works, and at silly odds (40/1 plus) it may be well worth a small few quid each way side bet on STONERS CHOICE a Course and Distance specialist who we'd wager could well beat at least half of the field home here.
The two most confident tips with each way value are KASMINAS who has been freshened up over the Christmas / New Year period and who just looks and runs like a real warrior who will enjoy the conditions and the competitive nature of the race. GEORGI GIRL comes from the red hot Hobbs yard and is an in form and improving Mare with good form already at this time of year in the past and one who may still be improving and this could be her peak time of the year. (Racing Journo)
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Haydock Park 3.05 Handicap Hurdle - Class 3 - 3 miles 1/2 furlongs - 11 run - Heavy (who knows it could be anything from Good to bottomless)
Haydock have their obligatory Inspection but we have to believe it will be deep and unforgiving ground.
That will very much suit BUSHYPARK who was travelling well enough here last time to suggest his excellent Course record can be maintained.
Young Jack is in the TRACKER and I still have faith in him but a poor run last time just brings enough doubt to rate him third best of the 11 behind GOOD LUCK CHARM who gets a 5lbs penalty but who is again ridden by a very capable 10lbs Claimer here and he's another horse that may still have some scope to improve further. (Northern)
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Taunton 3.50 Handicap Chase - Class 5 - 2 miles 7 furlongs - 16 run - Soft
Low grade stuff and very hard to find much to compliment about half of the field or to believe they will be winning or placing this.
At the top end of the market the likes of The Cox Express who showed promise on Chase debut but for whom stamina is not assured or proven yet at this trip and Proper Twelve , a quirky sort who can run on and off the bridle are feared but not convincing in terms of an investment. Rock On Rita and Robinsville are both being tracked in the TRACKER off long absences with previous promise but frankly neither has yet shown evidence of returning to past form.
It's hard to look past SAFE DESTINATION who will be the one they all have to beat and a WIN bet or crafty each way saver id suggested. TRY THE MONEY has placed second here before, ran well at Ffos Llas on penultimate run, proving stamina in similar conditions and one who should be right in contention again. I am too unusually bullish about DINDIN at big odds. He was out of form before a break but has run well and might be best caught fresh before he starts thinking about the game and with a Course win and Distance winning form elsewhere is really VERY well handicapped if putting his best feet forwards today! (Robin)