13th February betting tips and preview

Southwell

2.00 6f Class 6 Handicap – Liamba

Canimar ran his biggest race LTO for Shaun Keightley, he ran in the first time visor and looked to have the race in the bag some way out but probably went for home too early and was taken well inside the final furlong, the once rated 73 filly is a 14 race maiden but now runs off 46 and looks dangerous but the step down to 6f may not be best decision IMO and so LIamba the only other filly in the race who is more of a natural at 6f, she ran a big 3rd over this C&D 2 starts back, the form of the race is solid with 2 in behind winning a few since. She’s 3lb better off in this race and the yard are in fine form.

Fairyhouse

3.35 2m7f 0-109 Handicap Chase – Cowboy Des Long

Kayf Thou won over this course on his 4th start over fences to break his maiden tag, he’s one of the least exposed in the field, he’s well bred and from a huge yard, so likely to have a good career and will be better than his current mark suggests, however he looks like he needs a little more time, he looked like he needed every yard of his trip LTO and even if just a furlong and a half shorter here, it won’t be ideal, plus he’ll be off 8lbs higher in a tougher looking race. Cowboy Des Long is still a 8 race maiden over fences, but has been knocking on the door and getting better with every run, on his penultimate race he was a unlucky close 2nd when his jockey dropped his whip in the finish he finished in front of Crazyheart who won a good novice event NTO boosting that piece of form and then his next race he was a good 3rd and not far behind Young Paddymac who finished 2nd but bolted up NTO in a good chase at Punchestown NTO, for me Cowboy’s form looks the strongest and this is his first try in handicap company, which should suit more.

Musselburgh

3.50 2m Class 4 Maiden Hurdle – Saryshagann

Another David O’Meara horse, this time over hurdles, the fairly useful flat horse has 5 wins to his name on the flat, he made his debut over hurdles under 3 weeks ago where he understandably wanted to go quicker than he was allowed to, he wasn’t too fluent over his hurdles and looked well beat with half a mile left but impressed lots in the finish after all he did wrong, he clearly has ability and can be forgiven on his first start over timber, this right handed Musselburgh track will be the biggest plus and he should of learnt a lot from his last run.

Kempton

6.45 1m Class 5 Handicap – Sir Ox

Rich Approach came from last to first LTO to which pleased a lot of supporters after being very well backed, he goes up 7lb for that victory and tackles a furlong longer which looks to suit, I am however sceptical he’ll take to Kempton, he looks like he takes a long time to wind up and Kempton is much tougher to do that than Newcastle’s straight track. Sir Ox who we know likes the C&D after winning well here last week, he looked to have loads left in the locker when completing a double and this 6lb penalty doesn’t look near enough to stop him and record a quick hat trick.

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7th February betting tips and preview

cheltenham-tips

Ffos Las

2.25 2m4f Class 4 Novices Hurdle – Remastered 11/4

Impressive displays on his first 2 starts for David Pipe, the first in a bumper at Chepstow when beating Kateson who’s since impressed himself over hurdles with a dominate win in a Class 3 and then a close 3rd in a Grade 1 behind the Ballymore favourite and hype horse Champ.
Remastered then built on that with a good display over hurdles, he won with plenty in hand and although he didn’t beat a lot he still showed his class and a liking for this track in the process, his next performance wasn’t so great when a well beaten 5th, he did go a bit quick upfront and possibly the sharp trip finding him out, not all was lost with the form of the race looking pretty strong and now upped in trip to 2m4f for the first time against much weaker competition should see him revive his progressive career.

Doncaster

2.45 3m Class 3 Handicap Hurdle – Captain Cargo 7/2

Broke his duck on the fourth time of asking over hurdles in a 0-135 at Warwick, he took the lead just after the 2nd last hurdle and then with ease pulled away from the rest of the field at the last hurdle under hands and heels, he goes up 9lbs for that victory, but clearly had tons left under the bonnet and goes in a easier 0-130 race.

Ffos Las

3.00 2m3f Class 4 Novice Handicap Chase – Cougar’s Gold 3/1

He’s been progressing very well this season and even better since the application of cheek pieces, he’s been unlucky not to win 3 on the bounce when beaten by a nose on his penultimate run, not only beaten by a short margin but jockey Sean Bowen unluckily dropping his whip on the run in costing. Anyhow he got compensation when winning NTO after a 3lb hike on ground probably not his favoured, but the gelding whose clearly in form ignoring the doubts and winning easily with plenty in hand, he clearly loves left handed galloping tracks and the 4lb rise looks nothing especially back on favoured testing ground.

Chelmsford

5.50 1m2f Class 6 Handicap – Chakrii 6/1

Sprung a bit of a surprise when winning LTO when not showing much previously, but he had been gelded and the step up in trip clearly brought improvement, he does go up 6lbs for the victory but jockey Poppy Bridgwater is booked and will negate 5lbs of that and the way he won after a really bad start says there’s plenty more to give, also that was after a 5 month break, so likely to of come on for the run.

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6th February betting tips and preview

6th February betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Ayr

2.35 3m Class 4 Novices Handicap Chase – Glittering Love 6/5

Won 4 consecutive races early last year in point to points before moving to Nicky Richards yard where he’s gone from strength to strength since the switch to chasing with his record reading 2 from 2, he’s last victory was over this C&D on similar ground in a 0-100, although a big step up to 0-120 company it’s a very weak race with top rated horse on 113, plus there’s a distinct lack of pace in this and Glittering Love should take advantage of a soft lead and still prove to well handicapped after only just a 5lb rise for his victory.

Ludlow

3.15 2m4f Class 3 Handicap Chase – Tommy Silver 7/2

Been slipping to great mark for a while and was really well backed last time out and ran well in defeat considering a few bad jumps left him looking well beat at the back off the field, but he eye catchingly stayed on well to take 2nd close home, not only is he 11lbs better off with the winner of that race Deauville Dancer in this, but he’s obviously looking well and ready to win well soon if they’re ironed out his jumping on his short break.

4.50 2m5f Class 4 Maiden Hurdle – Morning Vicar 11/8

Clearly plenty of potential and made a promising start in hot race a Newbury on this first start over hurdles, he was a distant 3rd behind a couple of more experienced rivals in the shape of Mr Pumblechook who bolted up NTO in his maiden and the winner Kateson who was a close 3rd in a Grade 1 behind Cheltenham’s Festival’s Ballymore favourite Champ NTO, that form alone makes Morning Vicar head and shoulders above this company and he should of learnt a lot from that race.

Wolverhampton

8.15 5f Class 6 Handicap – Royal Mezwan 3/1

With stalls 7, 8, 9 and 11 all like to lead, it’s very likely where going to get a very strong pace on here and Royal Mezyan should have no excuses here to break a lengthy 19 run losing streak, he’s last win was over this C&D over 2 years ago, that was off 15lbs higher, so he’s very dangerous ATM and is running well in defeat, now on a career low mark and with the race looking to suit against a weak field.

4th February betting tips and preview

Newcastle-Horse-Racing

Chelmsford

3.00 1m Class 6 Handicap – Red Gunner 6/1

Not the easiest horse to follow, but the once rated 79 gelding is now running off 55, a huge 24lbs difference, granted his highest mark was just over 2 years ago and for David O’Meara but it’s hard not to see the horse winning soon and today looks his best chance for a long time, he runs off his lowest lifetime mark and is entered into a very easy 0-55 race for the first time with nearly half the field running out of the handicap. He ran a solid race just 12 days ago at Kempton, apart from the unexposed winning filly, they finished in a tight group for the minors, that was in a much different 0-70 race, so a run like that in this 0-55 against a much more exposed field 2lbs better off, should see him take this race with ease. He does however have a bad 13 stall to contend with, but since the step up to 1m, the usually held up horse has been racing more prominently, so with the lack of early speed he should get across easily with a good break, but at the same time he can break slowly so a bit of a toss up what tactics will prevail, if that is the case then Sharp Operator who is another with a bad draw and likes to be held up is in great shape, he won a 0-60 at Wolverhampton last week, he didn’t get a perfect run with being hampered early and bustled back through the field but put that behind him when getting a good run up the rail after the last bend, he gets a 6lb penalty for that win but they book the competent Seamus Cronin who takes 7lbs off the geldings back to leave him well in, in a slightly weaker race, the gelding also likes the Chelmsford course too.

Taunton

4.15 2m7f Class 3 Handicap – Silverhow 7/1

The gelding gets his ground for the first time this season, his last win came at Sandown in a good Class 2 Novice race last April on soft ground when beating War Sound who since boosted the form when winning a good Class 2 event himself before tackling Class 1 rivals like Frodon etc. Silverhow hasn’t shown the same form in his next 2 runs but but not only the fast ground the likely issue, trainer Colin Tizzard has given the gelding a wind operation and tries the tongue tie for the first time, so obviously has breathing issues, if the combination does the trick then we’ll likely see the promising gelding return to form in this easier Class 3 0-130 should be a stepping stone. Le Boizelo looks the likely danger, he impressed LTO at Exeter when giving away 17lbs including claimer to the winner, he in turn finished well clear of the rest of the field, he does go up 2lbs for his troubles, but if he can build on that, he’ll be a tough nut to crack.

Wolverhampton

5.55 1m1f Class 2 Conditions – Arcanada 15/8

Preview to follow

6.25 1m4f Class 6 Handicap – Splash Of Verve 9/2

Preview to follow

2nd February betting tips and preview

2nd February betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Sandown

1.15 2m Class 2 Handicap Chase – Not Another Muddle 7/2

Gary Moore has 2 great chances in this race, his first Darebin loves Sandown, his record reads 1063 over hurdles and a better 3141 over today’s fences, his last win was early last month in just a 4 runner field, but wasn’t lacking in depth, he out jumped the field, made all from the front and set a good early pace and wasn’t flattered by an easy lead, a lot of positives to take from the win, he goes up 4lb for it and this is a better race, plus he’s 5lb’s out of the handicap, but jockey Charlie Hammond whose having a good season takes 5lb off the horses back to negate the disadvantage, my biggest worry is the strong race on offer, last years winner Gino Trail, Azzuri & Commis D’Office all like to set a strong gallop and will possibly all burn each other out and set it up for closers which will suit Gary Moore’s other runner Not Another Muddle, he’s very lightly raced and is an exciting prospect, he’s 2 from 2 over fences, he’s last victory was in a good race when giving away lots of weight to most of the field, the form was very strong with 4 behind that was well beat all winning NTO which included Vocaliser who won 3 from 4 and went 16lbs. He returns after a years break and is upped 10lbs which is very lenient if his fit, Aiden Coleman takes the reigns and is in very good form, an exciting horse to follow for the season even if not fit and needing the run just at present.

2.25 2m4f Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices Chase – Vinndication 6/4

A very exciting renewal of the Scilly Isles, Lostintranslation won a exciting Dipper Novices Chase at Cheltenham LTO he beat Defi Du Seuil by just over a length, for me DDS was travelling the better and when hitting the front idled, so it may pay to be a little more patient and not get his head in front too soon, he is also 3lbs better off with Lostintranslation so I’m pretty confident he’ll reverse the form this time around, but the unbeaten Vinndication is the one to beat, he obviously loves right handed galloping tracks, he’ll love the underfoot conditions and although a couple of bad jumps in just his first 2 runs, he’s been very sound and took most eye catchingly well beating good opposition in the process, he strikes me one that holds a lot back for himself and that’ll improve for further and one that i like for the RSA at Cheltenham so this 2m4f looks the sharpest trip he’ll handle but i believe his quality will see him through.

3.35 3m Class 2 Handicap Chase – Shanroe Santos 12/1

Classic Ben chasing his first win over fences but was very eye catching LTO on his 4th start over larger obstacles, the ground clearly not suiting and being outpaced he looked well beat 5 out, but came to life after the last and finished a close 3rd, the stiffer course and the testing ground look to be massive pluses and will see the unexposed gelding at his best, he does enter into a tough race here so may pay to be with a safer alternative Shanroe Santos, he’s more exposed and will will have to defy a career high mark, but he’s a C&D winner and ran a huge race behind Beware The Bear in a very good looking race at Cheltenham, he was given too much to do to catch the winner, but got as close as could have with rest of the field well behind, there isn’t the quality as Beware The Bear in this field however the sharper trip isn’t perfect.

Kempton

5.45 6f Class 5 Handicap – Probability 2/1

Archie Watson has a strong hand out today and has a good record at Kempton, his filly Probability is 1 of 2 races he tackles at Kempton today, she won her maiden in good style LTO beating Sea of Reality very easily who franked the form when looking like winning a much stronger looking race and was caught on the line by a well thought of £100k purchase Dahawi, even the 4th Reggae Runner who granted improved for the step up in trip NTO was unlucky not winning. Probability was given a mark of 73 which on that piece of form, looks very weak and she’ll make it look very silly within time.

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30th January betting tips and preview

Sandown-tips

Leicester

1.40 2m6f Class 3 Novice Handicap Chase – Cloth Cap 13/8

Knockrobbin looked like he was going to win LTO on his 3rd attempt over fences, when all around him looked to be struggling, he hit the front 2 out and looked in control until suddenly started paddling upfront and soon weakened, he’s had a wind operation since and if his breathing was the issue, then he’ll have a big say, but it’s hard to look past Cloth Cap who was bred for chasing and is no surprise to see him thriving since the switch to this code. He’s won his last 2, the last was very striking in a good class 3 at Catterick, the form has taken a huge boost with 3 from the 4 winning since who was all stuffed by Cloth Cap, he only goes up 9lb for the win which on his last piece of form alone, is not only weak but he looks progressive too.

Lingfield

1.50 1m2f Class 5 Handicap – Global Wonder 10/3

Simon Dow is in very good form at present and sends just the one to his usual stomping ground, Bobby Biscuit is very well bred for this grade but has been very unreliable, but he did impress LTO when upped in trip at Kempton from a bad draw, it would be no surprise to see him win here, but I’m surprised to see him tackling a shorter distance even if just a little less, so I’d sway to Global Wonder who although has a below average strike rate, his very consistent and unlucky not to win more, he has taken a recent liking to Lingfield and his recent close victory can be marked up as he had to cover a lot of ground on the wide outside and was slightly impeded in the straight but done very well to come back and reign Narjes back, he goes up 3lb for the win and is in a slightly better race, but with Adam Kirby booked and a nice draw in 1, he looks set to defy the rise.

Leicester

2.40 2m4f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle – Townshend 7/1

Jaisalmer is interesting with Nico De Boinville back onboard, he’s under last winning mark and will love the predicted testing ground, I am however put off by the galloping track, he clearly thrives on sharp tracks and so attentions turn to Townshend who makes just his 3rd start for the inform Nigel Twiston-Davies yard, the geldings last win over hurdles was for Willie Mullins nearly 3 years back but he’s only ran over hurdles twice since which was recent, he was rated 145 over fences just last year and comes here off just 127. His last effort was pleasing in a tough 0-150 where he tried to make all and looked very well until tiring quickly, he’s been given a wind operation which if works and can sustain maximum effort for longer then it will make him very dangerous in this much weaker 0-125 race.

Plumpton

4.00 3m1f Class 4 Handicap Chase – Midnight Bliss 4/1

Sandhurst Lad ran a very respectful 3rd on just his 3rd race over fences, he was very strong in the finish and looked like he wanted further, he does get that wish here and although winning around Plumpton in the past, a more testing track would be his preference rather than this sharp track IMO. Midnight Bliss beat Cucklington LTO around a similar style track to this, while Cucklington is 1lb better off here and weighted to reverse the form, Midnight Bliss is very unexposed and has a great opportunity to add to her fantastic strike rate over fences.

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29th January betting tips and preview

29th January betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Newcastle

2.30 2m7f Class 3 Handicap Chase – Straidnahanna 11/1

Ascot De Bruyere returned to form to make it 2 from 2 over this C&D, on paper it was a weak contest and he goes up 6lb for the win and still may be well treated, but will have to win off a career high mark in a tougher race I’d rather look elsewhere. Trainer Sue Smith won this race last year with De Vous a Moi and she tries to defend her crown with Straidnahanna who’s not only won over C&D before but back on a winning mark. His last effort in a very tough 0-150 race was pleasing even if well beat in the finish, it was just his 2nd run after a lay off and he kept up with a good pace for a long time and jumped very well, he showed signs of tiredness late on and fell away quickly, but the form of the race is good with the 2nd winning a Listed race NTO and if he’s again gained fitness for the run, he should be a dominant force in this much easier race.

Lingfield

3.15 2m Class Handicap Hurdle – On the Rox 9/1

The ground should be testing tomorrow after the recent conditions and likely more rain to come which should suit She’s Gina, she won over C&D around this time last year on heavy ground, she’s won again since off today’s mark around Warwick proving to show a liking for sharp left handed tracks, since she hasn’t shown the same form and has been well beat in all 3 runs this season, a return to a left handed sharp track will suit and cheek pieces are applied and if they do the job, she’ll be hard to beat, if the cheek pieces don’t do the job the Evan Williams On The Rox could be very handicapped on his first handicap appearance, he comes into the race on a mark of 110 and his 18 length defeat to Betfair Hurdle favourite Al Dancer whose now rated 141 makes him look very dangerous and could of been preserved since for when handicapping like today.

Wolverhampton

6.15 Class 5 Handicap – Santafiora 9/2

Turanga Leela has shown a real liking for Wolvo, she’s 2 from 4 over C&D, the last was LTO last month for Ian Williams yard, she beat the gambled on The Establishment when making all with Stevie Donohue onboard, she only goes up 2lb for the win and Stevie is booked again which is very significant as new trainer John Mackie never uses the jock, my big worry thou is the pace with Tavener and Big Time Maybe in the field could all ruin each other’s chances if they take each other on early and set it up for closers. Santafiora is another that likes Wolvo, she’s 2 from 3 over C&D and is after a hattrick here, although only a narrow victory LTO she looked good for more and the 3lb rise may not be enough to stop the hattrick attempt.

7.15 Class 2 Handicap – James Street 6/4

The best race of the day and the most confident Selection is James Street, trainer Hugo Palmer’s horses are running extremely well and he sends 2 to Wolvo where he has a brilliant record, but his colt in this was very eye catching LTO at Lingfield, the tactically run race didn’t suit him at all but finished better than anyone and finished behind Deep Intrigue who he had beat the previous time they locked horns when in a truly run race. This will be just his 2nd run in handicap company and his mark of 89 will be made to look very silly, very soon especially when upped in trip later in the season.

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27th January betting tips and preview

27th January betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Fontwell

2.30 2m2f Class 5 Handicap Chase – Chivers 6/4

Dalkadam keeps giving the impression he’s ready to strike with visually good efforts, the last was one of his best efforts over a sharp 2 mile trip, this step up in trip will suit more and again eased slightly by the handicapper, so likely to go well again but looks like he’ll bump into one too good again in the shape of Chivers. Chivers landed a gamble over this C&D on Boxing Day by 15 lengths, the form of the race has worked out well since with the distant 2nd winning a hurdle race NTO. He went up 11lb for the victory but looked like winning again NTO, he was up in trip and went for home too early and too quick and got tired but still a close and respectful 3rd, the step down in trip looks the logical decision, he’ll enjoy the return to Fontwell plus a slight ease in class be a plus too.

Sedgefield

3.10 2m5f Class 4 Handicap Hurdle – Nicely Indeed 11/4

Triangle Rock impressed on stable debut for Keith Dalgleish when a good 2nd behind Digging Deep who since boosted the form heavily winning off 14lbs higher, Triangle Rock then disappointed heavily when a well beat favourite over a sharper trip on deeper ground, it may of been a little too soon after with just 15 days break, maybe why he emptied quickly, if that is the case then he’ll be hard to beat after a better break this time around, but more likely his downfall was the ground caught him out, with its looking more likely the ground will be more testing here then a safer option will be Nicely Indeed who broke his hurdle duck over a similar distance here at Sedgefield when the first time cheek pieces was applied, he’s only raised 7lb to 109 for the victory and with the once rated 119, he still looks well in if the cheek pieces have the same desired effects. The ground prediction will be soft and testing which will be perfect and another plus.

Fontwell

4.00 2m5f Class 4 Handicap Hurdle – Urbanist 7/4

Goodnitesweetheart won over C&D when last seen, it was just her 4th run over hurdles and first in handicap company, so very unexposed and plenty more to come, she’s only 5lb higher which makes her look very dangerous, however she’s been off the track for 655 days so likely will need the run plus jockey booking also gives me that impression. So Urbanist is the obvious alternative, he won on his 3rd run for his new trainer Dr Richard Newland on just his 2nd run over fences with the reapplied cheek pieces, although only a narrow victory and a quick turnaround, he was lightly ridden and there looked plenty more in the locker, he escapes a penalty for the win with switching codes to hurdles and looks likely strike again while the irons hot.

Sedgefield

4.10 2m1f Class 5 Handicap Hurdle – Baratineur 6/4

Trainer Julia Brooke’s has been in terrific form and has a 25% strike rate with a +31 level stake profit for the season, which is mainly down to her hurdlers. Copt Hill is her only runner of the day and he’s won over this C&D which was 6 years ago, an incredible 44 runs later he finally doubled his tally when winning at Newcastle the end of last year, he again ran well NTO over same C&D but bumped into one, with trainer doing so well it’ll be no surprise to see him run another big one, with his bad strike rate, he’s obviously not one to rely on so Baratineur who was 2nd on both his first runs for his new trainer Sam England who herself is in great current form. With the gelding in good spirits and on a mark of 88, the once rated 128 gelding is very dangerous and the first time applied cheek pieces could be the answer to get him firing again.

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24th January betting tips and preview

24th January betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Wetherby

1.05 2m3f Class 5 Handicap Hurdle – Briac 6/4

Magic Dragon upset favourite backers when winning at a huge 25/1 with the first time cheek pieces attached and drop into handicap company, with only just the 4 runs to his name means he’s unexposed and more likely to come, he only has a 5lb rise and trainer is in good form means he should run another huge run but it’s hard to look past Briac whose in fantastic form since the switch to Tim Vaughan’s yard, he took his back to back victories in emphatic style under both codes and there looks plenty more to come, he does go up 11lbs but the burden is lessoned with 7lb claimer Charlie Price.

Southwell

1.15 1m4f Class 6 Handicap – Croeso Cymraeg 12/1

Handsome Bob broke his duck on the AW over a similar distance at this track last month, the form has been well boosted since, the trainer is in good form so looks likely to run another good race from the front from a 4lb rise, however I predict a pace collapse with Handsome Bob, Chica Da Silva & Tilly Devine all likely to take each other on, if that is the case then Croeso Cymraeg could pick up the pieces. Still a maiden but impressed LTO on unfavourable terms in a classified stakes race when coming off the pace and meeting trouble in racing, he still ran a creditable 3rd, the return to handicap’s will be more suitable and if they do go quick, he could nick it.

2.20 5f Class 3 Handicap – Moonraker 10/3

Foolaad loves Southwell, he’s won his last 4 on the bounce over this C&D, then since had been running on the turf, he returned after a little break to the AW in good form and was a good 2nd to Outrage at Newcastle, although conditions in favour here, his mark doesn’t leave him much to play with and may be a little vulnerable to an improver. While Moonraker doesn’t look the most obvious improver with 43 races to his name, he is arguably unexposed on the AW with just 7 runs and just 3 runs at Southwell which has produced 2 victories, his last win on New Years Day has been heavily boosted and he only goes up 2lb for his win, so I expect another big run.

4.05 1m Class 5 Handicap – Gabrials Centurion 3/1

All of Muqarred AW victories have come over Southwell and he comes into this on his lowest mark for nearly 2 years, he won a claimer around this time last year and since ran a close 5th from a mark of 77 before a big break, he’s recent form can have a line through it, not only unfit but usual cheek pieces missing, now fitter, the pieces return and his on a dangerous mark, he is however not the easiest to follow and may get caught in the possible early pace. One that is a little less risky to bet and If they do go quick upfront then Gabrials Centurion like last time will enjoy the scenario he broke his egg the end of last month after heavy support, he goes up 4lb for the win and very unexposed on the AW.

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22nd January betting tips and preview

22nd January betting tips and preview Sports Betting Stars

Kelso

1.25 3m2f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle – Mighty Thunder 11/4

Landecker won this race last year off a 6lb higher mark, he loves Kelso where all 5 of his victories have been around, he returned to form LTO behind Dimple whose since boosted the form with emphatic 20 length win in a class 2 off a 13lb rise, he does however prefer the ground with juice in, so preference is for Mighty Thunder who broke his maiden tag over this course LTO, he relished the good ground and the longest trip he’s faced to date. His 112 mark is very workable, and the extra trip again looks like it will bring out more, the cheek pieces are also applied which also looks like it will bring out more as he doesn’t always look like his eyes is on the prize. The consistent Arthurs Secret likely to follow them home.

Leicester

3.10 1m7f Handicap Hurdle – Falcon Sun 5/2

Working Class has been improving slowly and finally broke his hurdle maiden tag on the 8th time of asking but took the stewards to reward him the race after finishing 2nd after being bumped, the form of the race isn’t very good, and the gelding only managed 3rd NTO and this is tougher again. Sparky Stowaway makes his 3rd run for new connections here, he ran a good race LTO in a slightly tougher race over this course, the headgear is applied today so could improve again. Falcon Sun has been improving well all season after a wind operation late last year and since the application of blinkers, he’s been running against tougher competition than these and finally broke his maiden tag LTO on his 7th try and his first over this C&D, he won very well and a 7lb rise from the handicapper looks tame, the ground and course again are in favour, he takes a drop in class and the lack of early pace is ideal, expect him to make all.

Kelso

3.25 2m5f Class 2 Handicap Hurdle – Sky Khan 10/3

Craig Star loves sharp tracks and his best results have been around Kelso’s sharp track, he won around this time last year off a 4lb higher mark but in a much weaker race, today he’ll enjoy the underfoot conditions and the drop-in trip but should find a couple of these too good. Katgarry one of the best treated in the field, he’s not won for over 2 and a half years but did run a fine race around here this time last year in a similar race off 4lbs higher, effectively 11bs better this year with confident 7lb claimer, so likely to go close. Sky Khan however really took the eye over an unsuitable galloping Wetherby track, that was after a break and was a good 4th just 4 lengths off first place after not jumping all that well and bad track positioning, he would have come on for that run and a return to a sharp track in favour today, the well handicapped gelding looks dangerous.

Newcastle

5.45 5f Class 2 Conditions – Encore d’Or 7/4

Outrage is in excellent form and loves Newcastle, his record over this C&D reads 81111, although thriving and conditions to suit this conditions race surely wont suit and should find a few too good. For instance, Encore d’Or is 15lbs superior to him on ratings, he didn’t too well around here too well on his only visit, that was along time ago and he has won on tapeta before, so I’m not too concerned. He returns on the back of a month break and when last seen was in brilliant form when winning 2 from in 3 good handicaps and then a huge close 2nd in a strong Group 3 at Dundalk, if he returns in that form then he’ll carry on great record on the AW.

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