Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Newcastle and Wolverhampton on Saturday. View selections below.
ALPINE SIERRA (2.00) could be the pick of Jim Goldie’s two runners in the Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap, a Class 4 contest over ten furlongs at Newcastle.
The Goldie yard has been in irrepressible form at Gosforth Park this week and the grey Alpine Sierra is taken to turn the tables on better fancied stable companion Midnight Lion.
Alpine Sierra could manage only fifth spot behind Midnight Lion over course and distance on New Year’s Day but enjoys a significant pull in the weights, with Amie Waugh taking off 3lb.
Re-opposing Urban Road, a big market drifter on that occasion, finished just ahead of my selection in fourth place and warrants respect.
Top weight Sol Cayo thundered home by almost four lengths over course and distance in mid-December and is another in with a shout off a 7lb higher mark.
DASH GORDON (2.35) is by far the most interesting runner in the 5f Classified Stakes.
The four-year-old, donning The Horse Watchers colours, has his first start for Mick Appleby following a wind procedure and was successful over course and distance back in October for previous handler Alex French.
Goldie’s Doon The Glen ran fifth when apprentice-ridden in what was a slightly stronger affair here in mid-December and will benefit from Mulrennan’s stronger handling.
STUDIOUS (3.10) is taken to follow up his recent Wolverhampton success in the 7f three-year-old handicap.
Jack Mitchell was content to sit handily off the pace before pouncing inside the final furlong and the grey can strike again in what appears a fairly ordinary contest.
Tony Carroll’s yard continues to ride on the crest of a wave and CITY CYCLONE (5.30) is more than capable of following up last Saturday’s impressive course and distance victory when carrying a penalty in the opening Bet MGM: It’s Showtime Handicap at Wolverhampton.
William Carson rode a patient race before delivering his mount with a withering late run and similar waiting tactics are likely to be employed emerging from stall one.
Several well-bred three-year-olds turn out for the extended one-mile maiden stakes and Marco Botti’s WANDERLUST (6.00) can build on last month’s promising debut third over course and distance.
He wasn’t beaten far by the William Haggas-trained odds-on shot Merchant and the hood worn on that occasion is retained.
Ralph Beckett introduces Run With It, sporting the Paul and Clare Rooney quartered silks, while Richard Hannon’s Only One Blue will have her supporters following a close-up second on debut at Southwell. She was sent off 11-8 favourite so clearly had been showing something on the home gallops. Her 5lb sex allowance comes in handy.
Michael Bell’s four-year-old Destructive boasts a 92 official rating so clearly enters the argument. The gelding hasn’t been sighted since running fourth In a Windsor Novice Stakes last June so a market check is advised.
Tally Ho
Alan
Check out all todays Horse Racing Results and claim free bets.
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
